San Francisco 49ers schedule 2020: Picks, predictions for every game

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 19: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after winning the NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers beat the Packers 37-20. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /

Final Record and Analysis

The 49ers end their season with a 12-4 record and the NFC West title for the second consecutive season. I can’t determine if their record will be enough to earn them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, as New Orleans and Tampa Bay will likely be very close to them in terms of overall standing. Nonetheless, this season should be considered successful given the 49ers were not taking anyone by surprise this time around.

With Robert Saleh remaining as defensive coordinator, the San Francisco defense is once again expected to be among the top units in the league and a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. I would not be surprised if this unit led the league in sacks considering the opposing offensive lines they face throughout the season.

On the offensive side, Jimmy Garoppolo should show statistical improvement in his second season under Kyle Shanahan, especially since they’ve added a first-round wide receiver to play opposite Deebo Samuel. The jury is still out on whether or not Garoppolo can be a franchise quarterback, but if he can trim his turnovers to single digits, he should be able to sway his doubters.

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The San Francisco 49ers should be able to avoid the ramifications of a Super Bowl hangover during the regular season, but the legacy of this team hinges on their postseason success. If San Francisco fails to make it back to the big game, their performance during the season may as well be a mere footnote in the history books.