NFL Media analyst Adam Rank drew significant criticism from San Francisco 49ers fans after he predicted a three-win season for the Kyle Shanahan-led squad. Obviously, he seriously underrated the team's potential.
In Rank's defense, no one could have predicted the 49ers to emerge as an NFC powerhouse and finish with the best record in the conference. Still, for The Faithful, a three-win prediction felt like a bit of an insult.
San Francisco is preparing to play in its first playoff game in six years, and its first-ever at Levi's Stadium. Rank, for what it's worth, has made a new prediction for the team.
No, it's better. You may want to stick around rather than browse away.
The analyst, during a conversation with 95.7 The Game on Wednesday, picked the 49ers to beat the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday.
"I know I'd like to give the 49ers fans some reassurance by not picking them, but I feel so confident in them, I don't know how you can't," Rank explained on the Bonta, Steiny and Guru show.
Added Rank: "I just don't see a situation where the 49ers are not going to be ready to play, where Dalvin Cook's going to be able to run the ball, or where Kirk Cousins is going to be able to throw the ball. I feel very confident in the 49ers right now."
Rank was then asked to look beyond this weekend and make his Super Bowl prediction.
"I think the Chiefs end up upsetting the Ravens in the AFC Championship," he responded. "I would pick the 49ers to just march, especially if the 49ers are playing the Packers in the NFC Championship Game. There's no way Green Bay wins that one. I would think San Francisco, Kansas City, that's the matchup we're going to see."
It is worth noting that Rank admits to being a Chicago Bears fan, so he probably wasn't going to side with the Packers.
Rank also discussed the reasoning behind his initial three-win prediction. He questioned how effective quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo would be coming off of an ACL injury, the lack of a true No. 1 wide receiver, the pass rush, and the defense's inability to force turnovers.
Garoppolo has played well this season, especially during the latter half of the schedule. The team upgraded its pass rush by drafting Nick Bosa and trading for Dee Ford. The emergence of Arik Armstead was a bonus. The 49ers also pulled off a mid-season trade for wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders.
Rank also failed to predict the Los Angeles Rams' downfall and felt the second half of the 49ers' schedule might be too much for the team to overcome.
You can listen to the entire conversation with Rank below.