5 players who could cost 49ers horribly in 2024 NFL playoffs

No. 1: Kicker Jake Moody

One of the biggest question marks coming into this season for the 49ers was their kicking situation. It was their first year in quite a while without Robbie Gould being Mr. Reliable for them. They opted to take Michigan kicker Jake Moody in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, which certainly raised some eyebrows.

Eyebrows were raised even higher when Moody was slightly shaky in the preseason. However, he started the season well and was perfect on his field goals and extra points until the Cleveland Browns game in Week 6 when he missed a potential game-winner from a very makeable 41 yards.

Immediately, nervous fans were wondering if it was too late to get Gould back. But Moody largely calmed down in the following weeks and made most of his kicks. But then in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams, he missed a field goal and an extra point.

It was an ominous sign right before the playoffs and left many a Niner fan nervous.

This is not the first time the 49ers have entered the playoffs with a shaky kicker situation. In the 2012 season when they went to the Super Bowl, veteran kicker David Akers struggled quite a bit heading into the playoffs.

It is very possible that Moody just had a bad game against the Rams and he will get things figured out. He made 21 of 25 field goals and 60 of 61 extra points, which is respectable, especially for a rookie.

But that does not change the fact that many 49ers fans will hold their breath every time he attempts a field goal or extra point in the postseason.