In his annual NFL record and playoff projections, USA Today's Nate Davis predicts the 49ers will once again reach double-digit wins and earn a playoff berth in 2026. However, he doesn't believe that will be enough to keep pace with their NFC West rivals.
Davis projects the 49ers to finish 11-6, one victory fewer than last season and, once again, good enough for only third place in the division.
He has the Rams claiming the NFC West title and the conference's No. 1 seed with a 14-3 record, while the Seahawks also finish 14-3 and secure the top Wild Card spot.
"So now the Santa Clara electrical substation is affecting Kyle Shanahan's judgment behind the wheel?" Davis wrote. "Thankfully, he'll be OK – and hopefully so will all of the other Niners (DE Nick Bosa, LB Fred Warner, TE George Kittle, among others) on the comeback from major injuries.
"Among the squad's other challenges are their residency in the NFC West, two international trips (Australia, Mexico) and what are close to wholesale changes in the wideout corps for QB Brock Purdy ... though the return of Deebo Samuel does provide familiarity with Ricky Pearsall already landing on IR.
"But a team that's racked up double-digit victories in four of the past five seasons should hit that benchmark again."
Davis predicts the Rams will cap their season by defeating the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl LXI. As for the 49ers, he has the seventh-seeded team's playoff run beginning and ending with a Wild Card loss to the second-seeded Chicago Bears.
Such an outcome would be a disappointment for a team with championship expectations. While staying healthy will be critical to the 49ers' success, Davis believes the strength of the NFC West and a demanding travel schedule could ultimately prevent them from making a deeper postseason run.
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