Last year, Rank predicted a 12-4 record. Instead, San Francisco won half as many games after suffering through one of the most injury-plagued seasons NFL fans had seen in decades. Rank gets a pass because no one saw that one coming.
The Niners are healthier entering the 2021 season and look to prove that last season, not 2019, was the anomaly. So what is Rank's prediction for this year's squad?
Rank predicts an impressive 14-3 record.
The three predicted losses are to the Arizona Cardinals on the road, Los Angeles Rams at home, and Seattle Seahawks on the road. Rank believes the final game of the season against the Rams in Inglewood could be a pivotal matchup.
"Week 18, with a chance to win the NFC West and take the No. 1 seed in the NFC, the 49ers come to SoFi Stadium, beat the Rams," Rank said. "49ers, 14-3, No. 1 in the NFC.
"I know this probably upsets Forty-Niner fans, who would rather me pick them for three wins. Listen, I've got to keep it real. This is a very good team, and you're going to be the No. 1 team in the NFC."
Here is a breakdown of Rank's game-by-game selections.
- At Detroit Lions, W
- At Philadelphia Eagles, W
- Green Bay Packers, W
- Seattle Seahawks, W
- At Arizona Cardinals, L
- Indianapolis Colts, W
- At Chicago Bears, W
- Arizona Cardinals, W
- Los Angeles Rams, L
- At Jacksonville Jaguars, W
- Minnesota Vikings, W
- At Seattle Seahawks, L
- At Cincinnati Bengals, W
- Atlanta Falcons, W
- At Tennessee Titans, W
- Houston Texans, W
- At Los Angeles Rams, W
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers vs. Rams: George Kittle predicts a big game for Deebo Samuel
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel sparked discussion on social media this week after addressing criticism of his production. In a now-deleted post, Samuel wrote, "Not struggling at all just not getting the ball!!!!!!!" The comment prompted questions for head... -
ESPN analyst predicts massive price tag of 49ers QB Brock Purdy's upcoming contract
Once the season concludes—potentially as early as January if the San Francisco 49ers don't keep winning—the team will face a critical decision regarding quarterback Brock Purdy. The third-year signal-caller will be eligible for his first contract extension, which... -
49ers mailbag: What do the 49ers have left in the tank for the last four games? Will SF bring back Robert Saleh? Can Brock Purdy beat good teams?
It's always a big week when the San Francisco 49ers play the Los Angeles Rams. In 2021, the rivalry became even bigger when the 49ers had to win in the season's final week, in Los Angeles, to make it into the playoffs. On Thursday night, the 49ers must win again to keep their... -
Kyle Shanahan reflects on 49ers' Week 15 loss vs. Rams, provides De'Vondre Campbell update
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters during a conference call on Friday, the day after the team's 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Here's everything he said. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. Opening...