Kurtenbach: Nine spicy predictions for the 2021 San Francisco 49ers
The 2021 NFL season is here, bigger and better than ever.
With fans back in the stands and another regular-season game on the schedule, this is a second consecutive season unlike any other.
And what does it have in store for the 49ers?
I have a few thoughts — some predictions. Some are scalding. Others, merely poco picante. But they all have some spice.
Jimmy Garoppolo will start more games than Trey Lance…
… But Lance is the starter starting Week 10 — Monday Night Football vs. the Rams.
Yes, this constitutes as a spicy take, particularly for me, someone who has peddled Lance hype all preseason. While I don’t believe in prolonging the inevitable and think that Lance would be well-served by starting in Week 1, that’s not the way Kyle Shanahan sees it, and it’s his call.
Remember in 2017, when the 49ers had no viable quarterbacks and traded for Jimmy Garoppolo on Halloween? It took a month and an injury to start Jimmy G. Obviously, circumstances are different, but the Jimmy G entrance shows that Shanahan will be exceptionally patient when it comes to Jimmy G’s exit.
When Lance does play, it’ll be up-and-down, but the ball will simply move down the field better and the 49ers’ offense will find a new gear.
Trent Sherfield will be the 49ers’ No. 2 wide receiver in yards…
… In large part because he’ll be the only receiver that suits up for all 17 games. Sherfield’s connection with Lance from training camp cannot be overlooked, either.
Raheem Mostert will be the 49ers’ best running back…
… But Trey Sermon will have twice as many touchdowns.
Apologies to all you fantasy football players, but The Niners are going to treat the running back position as more of a committee this year, with Mostert and Sermon swapping in and out all the time. Sermon, I foresee, will be used frequently in the red zone, alongside Lance.
Nick Bosa and Fred Warner will both finish in the top five for NFL Defensive Player of the Year…
… effectively robbing each other of the award because of vote splitting. Both will be serious candidates because the 49ers will have one of the best defenses in the NFL this season.
Emmanuel Moseley will be the 49ers’ breakout star on defense…
… if he can be healthy, of course. I have loved what I have seen from Moseley in Training Camp — perhaps it’s simply familiarity, but he appears to have taken to the mental side of playing cornerback this year. Pair this manifested experience with his athleticism and big things could happen.
Alex Mack will be the center the 49ers have wanted for years…
… Because he’ll play all 17 games. Mack will be a steady force in the middle for San Francisco, which has lacked that level of consistency since Daniel Kilgore was jettisoned for Weston Richburg after Shanahan’s first season.
The Seahawks will finish in fourth place in the NFC West…
… That’s not a 49ers’ prediction, per se, but I thought you might like it. I need to lighten the mood before this next one.
The 49ers will finish in second place in the NFC West…
… Thanks to a Week 18 loss at the Rams. Call it a reverse 2019. But in the playoffs, they’ll beat the Panthers, the Cowboys, and then Tom Brady and the Buccaneers in the NFC Championship Game. Yes, the Niners will make another trip to Los Angeles this season. Problem is:
• The 49ers will fall in the Super Bowl…
…to the Ravens…
…again…
… It’ll be a game for the ages, though, if that’s any consolation. Ultimately, Lamar Jackson has just a bit more than Lance. Another silver lining: the lights will stay on this time.