The San Francisco 49ers were one of the more surprising teams last season, overcoming a wave of injuries that quickly depleted their roster and making the playoffs. Despite those setbacks, expectations remain high heading into 2026, with many projecting another double-digit-win season.

However, not everyone is convinced. Jason Katz of Pro Football & Sports Network believes the 49ers are being overrated and could take a significant step back, projecting a much lower win total.


Katz pointed to the 49ers' sustained success under head coach Kyle Shanahan, noting the team has reached two Super Bowls and posted winning records in four of the past five seasons.

Still, he argues that run of success may be nearing its end due to an aging roster and growing injury concerns.



"Look at their core offensive skill position players, Brock Purdy, lots of injuries on his resume already," Katz said. "Christian McCaffrey, 30 years old, lengthy injury history. We know about that all too well. George Kittle, 33 years old this year (He'll turn 33 in October), coming off a torn Achilles.

"Then we have Ricky Pearsall, who has missed 14 of his first 34 NFL games. And finally, there is Mike Evans, who is 33 years old, coming off his worst statistical season and back-to-back years dealing with hamstring strains."


Katz also pointed to the difficulty of competing in what is expected to be the NFL's toughest division in 2026—the NFC West. The 49ers will need to contend with the Los Angeles Rams, the early Super Bowl LXI favorites, and the Seattle Seahawks, the reigning champions.

In his view, that combination isn't a recipe for success.

"It is very easy to paint the picture as to how the 49ers only win somewhere around six or seven games this year," Katz added.

Such a decline would be a major disappointment for a 49ers team that believes it still has a championship-caliber roster. It's a big reason why Evans left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for San Francisco.

Ultimately, the 49ers will begin the 2026 season against the Rams in Australia, where early answers about their trajectory will start to take shape.

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