By: Michael Higgins

The 49ers have reached the pinnacle of success under Kyle Shanahan. They are consistently the best team in the NFC, but they have yet to get over the hump to win the big game. They dealt with some holdouts from WR Brandon Aiyuk and OT Trent Williams this offseason, but they were able to work things out to bring both back when it didn’t seem possible.

When you have a loaded roster like the 49ers, it is difficult to do a ton of improvements. The 49ers have done a good job of maintaining talent to stay at the top. This offseason, they did say goodbye to a few contributors from those championship caliber teams. TE Charlie Woerner, DL Javon Kinlaw, DL Clelin Ferrell, DL Arik Armstead, and DE Chase Young all found new homes this offseason. The defensive line certainly took a hit, but if anyone can restock the cupboards, it is John Lynch and the 49ers. They will also still be able to rely on the dominance of newly extended EDGE Nick Bosa.

San Francisco was able to add some key pieces. EDGE Leonard Floyd, who had an exceptional season in Buffalo, was brought in on a multi-year deal. They were also able to bring in EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos, DT Jordan Elliott, CB Isaac Yiadom, and LB D’Vondre Campbell on team friendly deals. Their defensive line has been nicely stocked after losing multiple pieces.

In the draft, they got another weapon for the offense. WR Ricky Pearsall, who has the best hands in the class, was taken in the 1st round. They also grabbed WR Jacob Cowing in the later rounds to provide depth at the position.

The 49ers start the season on Monday Night Football against the Jets. They then have two straight games against the Vikings and the Rams, then back at home against the Patriots. The 49ers will start the season 4-0.

They stay at home to play the Cardinals and have a quick turnaround up north to Seattle, then return home to play the Chiefs and Cowboys. The 49ers go 2-2 in October.

San Francisco starts the month of November on a bye week. They go east to play the Buccaneers, then come back home to play the Seahawks, and go back on the road to play the Packers. The 49ers go 2-1 in November.

The final stretch of games includes a road date against the Bills, two home games against the Bears and Rams, back on the road to take on the Dolphins, return home one last time on Monday Night Football against the Lions, and finally close the season on the road against the Cardinals. The 49ers go 4-2 in this stretch.

I have the 49ers going 12-5 in 2024. Yet another good season against Kyle Shanahan will show that the offense under a Shanahan Offense can carry a team to any heights. Just like any good team, the winning window will only get smaller from here. San Francisco needs to capitalize on the talent they have before it is too late.

2023 Record: 12-5

2024 Prediction: 12-5