Niners Nation
The 49ers have won 70 percent of their second half games during the previous three seasons.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in San Francisco 49ers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The 49ers are set for the stretch run after Christian McCaffrey, Jauan Jennings, Jonathan Feliciano, and others are returning. John Lynch and the front office added defensive line depth by acquiring Khalil Davis from the Houston Texans. Overall, the 49ers are healthier than many teams heading into Week 10.
The 49ers and their chances to return to the Super Bowl are discussed based on Kyle Shanahan and the team’s past late-season success. Shanahan’s record after the bye is sparkling. Only in 2018 and 2020 have the 49ers had a losing record following their bye week.
During the Shanahan era, the 49ers are 43-18 after their bye week. 2017 was marked by Jimmy Garoppolo’s arrival, and the team won the last five games of the season. The bye week came early for the 2019 49ers, and they finished 10-3 after their 3-0 start. 2020 is a year and season for everyone to forget.
In 2021, the 49ers started at 2-3 and finished 8-4 after the bye before losing in the NFC Championship game. Brock Purdy took over in 2022 following Trey Lance and Garoppolo’s season-ending injuries and went undefeated at 9-0. Last season, the 49ers were 5-3 heading into their bye and finished 7-2 with the remaining schedule.
Looking at this season, it’s easy to point to the past as an indicator of the future. If there is any team that is prepared to make a run following their bye week with the reinforcements returning, it’s the 49ers. However, this season, the 49ers face playoff teams from the previous season, with the exception of Seattle, Arizona, and Chicago.
During Shanahan’s tenure, the 49ers are 21-33 before their bye week. Circumstances and health differ for each season, but the numbers are striking. The 49ers are in a position to get healthy and run to the playoffs. I wouldn’t bet against the 49ers, but betting on that is fool’s gold. History would suggest the Niners go on a run.
They’re 30-8 in the second half under Shanahan during the previous three seasons. The 49ers will give it their all to finish the season, but it’s hard to say they can duplicate their late-season magic.
What do you think? Will the 49ers continue their run down the stretch in 2024?
