Right now, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is tied for seventh when it comes to the odds for the next NFL Coach of the Year. ESPN recently went around the league and made one bold prediction for each of the 32 teams. For the Niners, it was Shanahan winning NFL Coach of the Year, and it has a lot to do with the development of second-year quarterback Trey Lance.

"The 49ers held onto quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, but Shanahan will win Coach of the Year because of the development of his replacement, Trey Lance," wrote ESPN analyst Matt Bowen. "In an offense that caters to the quarterback's dual-threat ability, Shanahan takes the Niners deep into January."

While not everyone is sold on Lance, Shanahan has an abundance of respect. However, ESPN's sports betting analyst isn't convinced that will be enough to surpass 11 wins this season.

"I do not believe in Lance, but I do believe in Shanahan," wrote Doug Kezirian. "The surrounding players are there, but it's hard to see 11-plus wins with the unproven Lance."


Lance hasn't received a lot of in-game action over the last couple of years. He started just two games during his rookie 2021 campaign and just one game in 2020 with North Dakota State.

Not everyone at ESPN lacks confidence in the 49ers' 22-year-old quarterback, though. One analyst predicts Lance to be the team's fantasy football breakout candidate in 2022.

"Lance is expected to thrive in Kyle Shanahan's fantasy-friendly offense," wrote Eric Moody. "With Samuel, Kittle and Aiyuk among the 49ers' receiving playmakers, the dual-threat quarterback will add a vertical element to the 49ers' offense."

We'll find out how good Lance can be on Sunday when the 49ers open their regular season against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
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