With the stretch run of the NFL season looming, ESPN released a flurry of midseason predictions for multiple teams, including playoff and Most Valuable Player predictions.
When it came to the 49ers, NFL draft analyst Matt Miller had a dim outlook for the remainder of the 2024 campaign. Miller predicted the 49ers to miss the playoffs, saying it looks like a “lost year” for the 49ers. Miller pointed to the injuries of Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers’ defensive struggles as reason why the San Francisco could miss the postseason.
A season decimated by injuries will end with the reigning NFC champions missing the postseason and keeping the Super Bowl hangover trend alive for the losing team. Sitting at 4-4 after a bye week, the 49ers are without Brandon Aiyuk for the season and still have Christian McCaffrey on the sideline (though he could return this week). Their defense suddenly can’t make key stops, either. This looks like a lost year in the Bay. — Matt Miller, NFL draft analyst
Read the full list of predictions from ESPN here.
With their 4-4 record, the 49ers sit behind the Los Angeles Rams (4-4) and the Arizona Cardinals (5-4). While the Rams and 49ers have the same record, the Rams hold a tiebreaker over the 49ers due to their win in Los Angeles in Week 3. In a tight divisional race, the 49ers still play one more game against the Cardinals, Rams and Seattle Seahawks.
During the second half of the season, the 49ers play a tough schedule with games against the Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and Detriot Lions. Along with hanging in the division, the 49ers will need to pick off some of their tougher opponents to secure a spot in the postseason.
While the 49ers have stumbled out of the gate, Miller’s prediction of the 49ers being on the outside of the playoff dance would be a major surprise for a team that has Super Bowl aspirations, despite injuries. During the second half of the season, the 49ers will welcome back reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey, likely improving their outlook on a tough 2024 campaign.
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