It didn’t take long for 49ers fans’ prediction to be proven correctly
49ers fans are amongst the most informed fans in the NFL. Strong opinions, passion, and dedication to the team are just some of the positives from the fan base. The 2024 season is over, but never doubt the fans who have their pulse on the team. Optimism is always a plus, but reality hits like a ton of bricks. Our FanDuel Sportsbook sponsored polls are evidence of this.
Wednesday’s poll was about the team’s chances to win out following a blowout victory over Chicago. The three choices were yes, no, or the team would lose one more game. Peaking at the schedule, the 49ers have an upcoming matchup with the Detroit Lions, who have been as hot as any team in the league. I’m willing to bet that 49ers fans believed that would be a loss for the 2024 49ers.
Well, unfortunately, that one loss happened on Thursday night to the Los Angeles Rams, dropping their playoff probability to improbable levels. As evidenced by our poll results, only 34 percent of fans believed the 49ers would finish the season without a loss. Thirty-seven percent of fans voted no on the topic, which was the first of the three choices.
Now, 29 percent of fans had the 49ers marked down for one more loss, which would have put the 49ers in a better spot to make the playoffs. One more loss wouldn’t have been a guarantee since the 49ers would need outside help from their NFC West counterparts, but it was the most realistic outcome given the opponents left on the schedule and the parity in the NFL.
Losses in the NFL are always tough to digest, but when six of the losses have largely come from their own doing, it leaves a sick feeling in your stomach. Yes, teams on the other side get paid too and deserve credit for executing and winning the game, but the 49ers have largely kicked away winnable games.
Looking back on the season will lead to a discussion of what could have been for this team with Super Bowl aspirations. The team will look to regroup, retool or rebuild, however you deem this offseason’s mission in 2025. The names on the back of the jerseys will change, and beloved players with big moments during their tenures as 49ers will move on. It’s up to the 49ers to write the next chapter of the Kyle Shanahan/John Lynch era.
Following the 49ers’ best performance of the season, 64 percent of 49ers fans were confident in the team’s direction. That number was an increase from the week’s past, which was expected following a win. That confidence is sure to drop following this loss to Los Angeles.
The next three weeks should be for evaluating and finding out who is committed to the culture and where player’s effort levels are when things aren’t going well.
What are your thoughts following the 12-6 loss to the Rams? Let us know in the comments!
