5 bold predictions for San Francisco 49ers in 2020

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 speaks with head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi's Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 19: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines in the first half against the Green Bay Packers during the NFC Championship game at Levi’s Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

3. The 49ers will win 13 games again

Don’t bet on the 49ers to backslide any during the regular season. They’ve experienced some roster turnover, but the rest of the division is getting easier to handle. That means San Francisco is going to cruise to another NFC West title in 2020.

In particular, the Rams look like a safe bet to go down hill from their 9-7 record a season ago. The Seahawks could also struggle to replicate last year’s form. Winning another game or two inside the division could overcome any struggles the 49ers might have elsewhere.

The key for Shanahan and his coaching staff will be to get the rookies up to speed right away. They can’t afford for Aiyuk and Kinlaw to wait eight or more games to find their footing in the NFL. Each first round pick needs to show flashes of real quality right away if the 49ers are going to be an elite team.

This team just has too much talent to fail in the long run. They might experience some bumps in the road early, but they’ll really hit their stride down the stretch. Look for the 49ers to replicate last year’s win total of 13 as a result.