ESPN released its early-offseason predictions for the 2022 season. It features a panel of 12 ESPN NFL insiders projecting the NFL landscape for next season, and we're not even a full week removed from the Super Bowl.
First up are the Super Bowl predictions. Of the 12 insiders, three had the San Francisco 49ers reaching the NFL championship game. They are the sports site's fantasy football analyst, Stephania Bell, NFL analyst, Matt Bowen, and fantasy football writer, Eric Moody. All three had the matchup being the 49ers against the Buffalo Bills, with only Bell picking San Francisco as the victor.
"Twice the bridesmaids in the postseason during the Kyle Shanahan era, the 49ers have the talent to win it all if their heir to the quarterback throne, Trey Lance, continues to develop," explained Bell. "Josh Allen and the Bills were a possession away from the Super Bowl, and they will be back—but in the end, the Niners' defense (with some incoming improvements in the secondary) helps tip the scale in their favor."
Meanwhile, ESPN's national NFL writer, Kevin Seifert, picked the 49ers as the most interesting team this offseason. Why are they so fascinating? Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo helped the 49ers reach two NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl during his tenure with the club. However, his time in red and gold is likely coming to an end, giving way to 21-year-old quarterback Trey Lance, last year's No. 3 overall pick.
While Garoppolo has won a lot of games for the 49ers, the team clearly views Lance as the future and is ready to see if he can take the reins.
"[Garoppolo] also played a big role in them falling short of a championship," wrote Seifert. "If reports about their intent to move on from Garoppolo are accurate, it will be fascinating to see how they build around presumed replacement Trey Lance -- and if they are any better with him in 2022."
Click here to view all of ESPN's 2022 NFL predictions, including the early MVP picks.
H/t to Rohan Chakravarthi for the find
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