Respected NFL analyst Cynthia Frelund is known for her data-driven projections, so her latest prediction might make San Francisco 49ers fans a little uneasy.
During an appearance on Bay Area radio station KNBR on Wednesday, Frelund was asked for her thoughts on the upcoming Week 1 matchup between the 49ers and the New York Jets.
"Uh-oh," Frelund began, hesitating as she realized her response might not go over well with the hometown audience.
"It's going to be a close game," Frelund continued. "... I do actually have the Jets coming out just a smidge on top. I know that [T] Trent Williams is back. However, they haven't all worked together, and one of the keys to this entire offense is to keep [QB] Brock Purdy clean. By the way, that's the key for any offense.
"But with [Jets QB] Aaron Rodgers there, this is a situation where I think they could come in and sneak one."
Frelund projects the Jets to edge out the 49ers with a score of 23-21 or something close to that. Apologetically, she added, "I'm sorry. It's not me, it's the [analytics] model."
Monday night's game will be the 15th all-time meeting between the 49ers and Jets and the first since San Francisco's 2020 victory at MetLife Stadium. The 49ers are 11-3 all-time against the Jets and 4-2 against them at home.
You can listen to the entire conversation with Frelund below.
Why the 49ers didn't close the deal on Jets' Jermaine Johnson
By David Bonilla
Nov 4
The San Francisco 49ers explored a trade for New York Jets pass rusher Jermaine Johnson before the deadline, but ultimately couldn't strike a deal. According to Jordan Schultz, the 49ers were one of at least two teams pursuing Johnson, yet the sides couldn't agree on fair...
Report: 49ers 'flirting around' with Jets' Jermaine Johnson ahead of trade deadline
By David Bonilla
Nov 4
It's unclear whether the San Francisco 49ers will make a blockbuster move before Tuesday's 1 p.m. PT trade deadline. However, the team is reportedly exploring options to strengthen its depleted pass rush. According to Connor Hughes of SNY, the 49ers have been "flirting around"...
49ers' Robert Saleh reveals why he likes Keion White, expects Bryce Huff back next week
By David Bonilla
Oct 30
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh addressed the media ahead of Thursday's practice, and the focus immediately turned to the team's newest trade acquisition—former New England Patriots defensive end Keion White.
When asked why White may have fallen out of...
The 49ers need a new philosophy: Why John Lynch's roster strategy must evolve
By Jack Stewart
Nov 4
Before I begin, I need to clarify a few things. First, this is not an evaluation of the success or failure of general manager John Lynch's drafts and signings. Every good GM has hits and misses. Second, this is not some sort of call for a new GM. I believe that, on balance,...
