Why Bucky Brooks thinks the 49ers are least likely to win the NFC West originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
It’s no secret: the 49ers’ playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
But with San Francisco, 5-5, currently in a three-way tie for second place in the NFC West, the team still has a chance to win the division to earn a playoff spot.
NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks believes the 49ers are capable of rebounding to win their third straight NFC West title, but he also ranked them behind the No. 1 Seattle Seahawks, Arizona (No. 2) and Los Angeles. Rams (No. 3) as the team least likely to win the “wide open” division in its latest edition of the “Scout’s Notebook”.
“The Super Bowl hangover is real,” Brooks wrote. “San Francisco has been rocked by injuries this season. In fact, just before posting, (Brock) Purdy and (Nick) Bosa were ruled out of Sunday’s game at Green Bay. Brutal. And even when healthy, the best 49ers players just haven’t excelled like in years past. San Francisco’s inconsistent offense and underperforming defense have prevented the back-to-back division champions from taking over the West in 2024.
“Maybe the team can get healthy by the end, but time is running out for Kyle Shanahan to create a winning formula with a team that appears to be recovering from an overtime loss in the Lombardi game in February This seems to be one of those star-crossed seasons where nothing can go right, which is unfortunate, considering the promise this roster seemed to have in August.
The 49ers have certainly been ravaged by injuries, with reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey notably missing the first half of the season due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis. And just two games after his return, as Brooks mentioned, Purdy and Bosa will not play during week 12.
It’s been a never-ending carousel of bad luck for San Francisco, and the team’s play on the field has done nothing to help overcome those injuries. Still, Brooks knows the 49ers can never be counted with the standard set in the Bay.
“A loaded roster that can beat anyone when firing on all cylinders,” Brooks wrote. “The 49ers’ raw talent can overwhelm opponents unable to deal with their collection of blue-chip players at marquee positions. When everyone is healthy, the core of Brock Purdy, Trent Williams, Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner can dominate most foes, making it difficult to count out the 49ers in win-or-go-home battles down the stretch.
“The Niners are too good to count out, considering their talent and toughness. Well, at least when all the stars are available…”
The NFC West is for everyone. If the 49ers can get a win against the Green Bay Packers without Purdy under center Sunday at Lambeau Fieldthere’s no telling what kind of ride they might have down the stretch when the gang is back together.
