There have been a handful of losses that were excruciating for 49ers fans this season, but this one takes the cake.
Seven losses in the NFL through 13 weeks is a position no NFL team wants to be in. Yet, the 49ers find themselves with their backs against the wall heading into Sunday’s matchup with the Chicago Bears.
Unfortunately, events happened in 2024, but the 49ers have nobody to blame but themselves. The 49ers have blown leads in the most disastrous ways. Even worse, the meltdowns came against divisional opponents. The last two games have been blowouts. The team was shorthanded for sure, but effort and execution are in the team’s control, and they just haven’t played to their expectations.
According to our FanDuel Sportsbook sponsored poll, the loss to Seattle three weeks ago broke 49ers fans’ spirit. November 17th was the 49ers’ best opportunity to have won in consecutive weeks, as well as the team’s first three-game winning streak.
The 49ers had more first downs, converted better on third down, ran for more yards, and even went two for three in the red zone. However, they also committed nine penalties and allowed Geno Smith to walk into the end zone with 12 seconds left to close out the victory for Seattle.
Forty-seven percent of 49ers fans voted the Seattle loss the most painful in 2024. I agree with them. Following that loss, the season felt over, and the team looked defeated.
Seasons over.
— Jason Aponte (@JasonAponte2103) November 18, 2024
Context is needed as the 49ers defense took a nose dive once Nick Bosa exited with an injury he has yet to return from. Still, the 49ers offense should have never left the game hanging in the balance against a middle-of-the-pack Seattle defense. The loss kicked off a three-game losing streak but felt like the backbreaker for the 49ers season.
Coming in second at 22 percent is the Week 3 loss to the Rams. Following a loss to the Vikings, the 49ers were in a prime position to get back on track but blew a 24-14 lead in the fourth quarter due to special teams issues, a defense that couldn’t close the game out, and an untimely drop by Ronnie Bell.
Nineteen percent of the vote went to the Week 5 loss to Arizona at Levi’s Stadium. Again, the 49ers coughed up a lead in the fourth quarter. The team was handcuffed by the loss of Jake Moody, leaving them with no reliable kicking option. Jordan Mason fumbled the football in the red zone, setting up Arizona’s game-winning drive.
Only nine percent of the vote went to the Green Bay and Buffalo blowouts. Most likely, fans chalked those losses up to being severely undermanned on the road. The Week 2 loss to the Vikings came in last with only three percent of the vote.
Following the 49ers snow blowout loss to Buffalo, only 18 percent of 49ers fans are confident in the team’s direction. That seems like an overreaction to the hellish season the 49ers are enduring. With another successful draft class in 2025, especially if their first-round pick is higher than expected, and some careful roster maneuvering under the salary cap, the team would be right back in the thick of the NFC hierarchy.
Do you agree with the poll results? Which way did you vote? Let us know in the comments.
