Peter King is among the members of the media who are extremely optimistic about the San Francisco 49ers this season. The NBC Sports writer not only feels the team will be significantly better than last year but predicts the Kyle Shanahan-led squad makes the playoffs.
The 49ers roster is believed to be much-improved — at least on paper. Team decision-makers bolstered the pass rush with the additions of veteran Dee Ford and rookie Nick Bosa; added two young receivers via the draft in Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd; replaced troubled linebacker Reuben Foster with rehabbing Kwon Alexander; and added Tevin Coleman to the mix at running back.
King joined 95.7 The Game on Tuesday and made his 49ers prediction.
"I am still bullish on [John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan], and I'm still bullish on the 49ers as an organization and a team," King told Damon Bruce. "When I ranked teams in the offseason, I ranked them in my top 10 in the league. I think they're going to make a big jump this year."
Much of the upcoming season depends on the health and play of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who is returning from a torn ACL. King believes Garoppolo will have a big year. He says if Shanahan had his franchise quarterback for 16 games last season, the 49ers would have been fighting for a playoff spot.
"I think the 49ers are going to make the playoffs," King continued. "Again, it's hard to say that in a vacuum. If Jimmy Garoppolo slips on a banana peel in September, they're not making the playoffs."
King brushed off the belief by some that Garoppolo, among other quarterbacks, might be injury-prone.
"Having said that, I think they have to prove that they can stay upright," he added. "But I believe, in my opinion, if Garoppolo plays in 16 games this year, I'm picking the 49ers to go to the playoffs."
King went on to discuss the 49ers and the NFC West at length. You can listen to the entire conversation below.
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