The San Francisco 49ers were one of two teams alive in February. Today, they’re on pace to be one of the first teams eliminated from the playoff race. If something doesn’t change, that could be their fate. If that sounds hyperbolic, it is not.

Here’s a look at why the 49ers already are in grave danger of cratering this season.

Injuries

The biggest issue on the team might not be something they can control. The 49ers are one of the most injured teams in the league in September. Christian McCaffrey has yet to play his first game. Deebo Samuel’s health is a question. George Kittle missed Week 3 due to injury. While Jordan Mason has stepped up somewhat, his showing against the Rams proved that he is mortal.

As the season goes on, teams tend to only get more banged up. This means that the 49ers might only get less healthy as the season goes on and already under .500, this is something they cannot afford.

Spotlight

Getting to the Super Bowl last season was something to celebrate. However, it also comes at a cost to be paid the following year. With most of the league eliminated for the final few weeks last year, most players and coaches automatically had a front-row seat to review the tape from the Super Bowl.

As such, defenses had a headstart on how to beat the 49ers this season. Getting to the Big Game put a target on the 49ers’ back with every opponent hoping to prove themselves better than the 2023 NFC Champions. This means teams won’t sleep on the San Francisco 49ers, even if they don’t play as well this season as they did last year.

Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.