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: Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game at Levi’s Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

2. Deebo Samuel will catch 100 passes

Samuel really figured things out down the stretch of his rookie season. The end result was 57 catches for 802 yards for the former South Carolina standout. The departure of Sanders is going to give him even more target share in 2020.

The end result should be Samuel taking his place as the team’s undisputed No. 1 wide receiver. The 49ers need Aiyuk to be a factor, but they’re counting on Sanders to develop into a star. How quickly he can get that done will go a long way towards determining how quickly this offense hits its stride.

Expect Shanahan to make Samuel the focal point of some of his early season game plans. His combination of size and speed makes him an easy receiver to get the ball to via short passes. Samuel’s ability to run after the catch is a big reason why he’s able to rack up yards against any opponent.

The big plays are going to power him to a really good yardage total this season, but the volume is going to be there as well. Kittle will lead the team in catches but Samuel is going to hit 100 grabs too.