NFL: One bold prediction for every team in 2021-22
![Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) rushes back to the locker room after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Browns Extras 10](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2F954d021f769fef845fdf11f1b6e38fba1938440b3910b3d1749056b1111c073e.jpg "Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) rushes back to the locker room after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Browns Extras 10")
One bold prediction for the San Francisco 49ers in 2021-22: Middle of the pack
The expectations are extremely high for the San Francisco 49ers. When quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo plays, good things happen.
Over the course of his career, Garoppolo has managed to rack up an impressive record of 24-8. Prior to last season, the 49ers were one quarter away from being Super Bowl Champs. But with their defense primed to be an elite one and their offense set to run the ball down everyone’s throat, why do we believe this team will be middle of the pack at best? That’s a simple one, we don’t expect Garoppolo to make it through the entire year.
Only once has the former New England Patriot made it through a full season unscathed, 2019, their Super Bowl run. Now, with the addition of one more game to an already brutal season, were we supposed to believe that Garoppolo will be healthy after 17 games? Doubtful.
Also, while we’ve heard glowing reviews about first-round pick Trey Lance, the NFL has never been kind to rookies. Once Lance replaces Garoppolo due to injury or poor play, don’t expect the 21-year-old to drag this team to a stellar record.
All in all, their roster is too stacked to fall completely by the wayside but they won’t be making the playoffs and will have to live with a so-so year.