The results weren’t close in our weekly survey
49ers fans have spoken. After tallying the votes for our poll sponsored by FanDuel Sportsbook, special teams are the biggest concern and challenge for the team to overcome in 2024. Fifty-eight percent of fans are worried about the 31st-ranked special teams unit in the NFL. Of the three options, including injuries and intangibles (red zone offense included), special teams beat both options by 58 to 42 percent.
Special teams can undo an entire season. Ask the Green Bay Packers, who held the number one seed and didn’t allow an offensive touchdown to the 49ers. After Jordan Willis’ blocked punt, the 49ers moved on to the NFC Championship game in LA, and the Packers stayed home. The unit will never be a top one, but if they can even become an average unit, it’s a huge boost for the 49ers.
The 49ers offense hasn’t had issues moving the football in between the 20s, and with the return of Christian McCaffrey and Jauan Jennings, there is optimism the field goals will turn into touchdowns. Sunday is the perfect opportunity to catch fire before the schedule gets tougher. However, intangibles were third on the list, with 14 percent of the vote. Fans are confident the team will be disciplined down the stretch.
Injuries are the real wild card for the 49ers. It’s a wild card for any NFL team. Previewing a matchup down the line is difficult due to the injury bug hitting everyone in the NFL. What could look like a tough matchup or loss can turn into a winnable game with some key injuries. As of now, no team is healthy, but the 49ers are as healthy as anyone, even with Dre Greenlaw’s return date remaining unknown.
Following the 49ers first winning streak of the season, 70 percent of 49ers fans are confident in the team’s direction. The sight of McCaffrey and Jennings returning with the prospect of Greenlaw’s return, coupled with the 49ers’ track record of finishing strong, has fans excited.
Sunday’s win is imperative for the 49ers, and fans believe the team is back on track. A win is needed to maintain the team’s high playoff probability, and a loss will bring bigger discussions.
