The 49ers are back, loaded and looking for Super Bowl glory

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts to a broken up pass play during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game at Levi's Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

After winning the NFC behind a ferocious defense and phenomenal run game, the San Francisco 49ers are looking for redemption.

Best-case scenario

The 49ers have one goal in 2020; get back to the Super Bowl this season and win it this time. Retaining 18 of 22 starters is a key way to do it, but the Niners won’t have the luxury of surprising anyone anymore.

If San Francisco can overcome those challenges, it’ll be in prime position to win the final game, however.

Worst-case scenario

Parity in the NFL is real, and the odds are heavily against the 49ers returning to the Super Bowl and winning it a year after losing it. But missing out on the playoffs altogether would be a massive disappointment. Especially if injuries pile up again like they have the last two years.

Biggest offseason move

Landing left tackle Trent Williams was huge, but rookie wideout Brandon Aiyuk has been a major standout in training camp the healthy.

The 49ers have question marks at the position, so look for Aiyuk to provide an impact right away. With Emmanuel Sanders gone via free agency to the New Orleans Saints coupled with the injury to Deebo Samuel (among other receivers), Aiyuk needs to produce.

Draft pick who makes the big impact

Again, Aiyuk has a lot of weight on his shoulders, but fellow first-round draftee Javon Kinlaw could end up benefiting from a stacked Niners defensive line. He won’t have to shoulder a huge load, and that works in his favor.

Kinlaw comes in replacing DeForest Buckner, but he has ample help. with Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead and Dee Ford flanking him on the line. If Kinlaw can step up the second half of the year after getting comfortable, that would be a huge win for the Faithful.

Overall expectations

It’ll be tough for San Francisco to get back to the Super Bowl, particularly amid a challenging conference and arguably the toughest division in football, the NFC West. Getting back in the big game will be hard, but the playoffs are a reasonable and respectable expectation for head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co.

If the defense and running game can be even come close to replicating last season, we should se another deep run in January.