NFL: 5 Non-playoff teams that will push for playoff spot in 2021

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 26: Running back Jeff Wilson Jr. #30 celebrates with tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers after Wilson's touchdown during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 26: Running back Jeff Wilson Jr. #30 celebrates with tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers after Wilson's touchdown during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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NFL: Five non-playoff teams in 2020 who will push for playoff spot in 2021
San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

3. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers entered the 2020 season as the defending NFC champions and were looking to show they were still the team to be feared in the NFC. Unfortunately for them, they were hit hard by the injury bug, losing names like Ezekiel Ansah, Nick Bosa, Dee Ford, Jimmy Garoppolo, Javon Kinlaw, George Kittle, Raheem Mostert, Nick Mullens, and Solomon Thomas.

That’s quite the group there, so it’s no wonder that the 49ers didn’t live up to their expectations for the 2020 season. It’s also no wonder that many expect them to compete for an NFC West title and a trip to the Super Bowl in the 2021 season because they definitely could have accomplished that this season had the injury bug not reared its ugly head.

Even with all of the injuries, the Niners managed to finish the season at 6-10 and did so in the toughest division in all of football. They’ll get a high draft pick and they definitely benefited the last time they suffered from injuries and had a high draft pick as a result (the selection of Bosa in 2019).

The NFC West is really anyone’s to win from here on out but with the 49ers getting healthy this offseason, they should be a favorite to win it in 2021.