Baldinger has the 49ers going 12-5 during the upcoming season. So where did the two analysts disagree? Brooks could not believe his colleague had San Francisco falling to the Washington Commanders in Week 17.
"It's an East Coast game, Bucky," Baldinger explained on NFL Network's Total Access. "Their biorhythms are off, but I think they finish with a win [against the Los Angeles Rams] and with a 12-5 record. I don't know if that's a No. 1 seed or not, but it's a high seed. They'll be ready for the playoffs."
For his own prediction, Brooks changed the game against Washington to a 49ers win.
"I can't go with you on that one," Brooks said. "I can't give you the Commanders game."
Brooks also changed a loss against the Cleveland Browns to a win.
"I think they go 14-3," Brooks added.
San Francisco is expected again to boast one of the league's top defenses. The unit finished as the best in the NFL in 2022 and poached a top defender from an NFC competitor, adding former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. He joins a front that already included the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Nick Bosa, and Arik Armstead.
As is often the case, offseason uncertainty surrounds the quarterback position. Brock Purdy was a rookie sensation last season, guiding the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game before suffering a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow. He underwent surgery on March 10 and will miss most—if not all—of the offseason. Trey Lance and Sam Darnold will compete to start Week 1 in case Purdy isn't medically cleared by then.
Below is a rundown of Baldinger's and Brooks' 2023 game-by-game predictions for the 49ers.
| Baldinger | Brooks | |
| at Steelers | L | L |
| at Rams | W | W |
| Giants | W | W |
| Cardinals | W | W |
| Cowboys | W | W |
| at Browns | L | W |
| at Vikings | W | W |
| Bengals | W | W |
| at Jaguars | W | W |
| Buccaneers | W | W |
| at Seahawks | W | W |
| at Eagles | L | L |
| Seahawks | L | L |
| at Cardinals | W | W |
| Ravens | W | W |
| at Commanders | L | W |
| Rams | W | W |
| Record | 12-5 | 14-3 |
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Why 49ers insiders don't believe Brock Purdy will land record-breaking deal
One of the biggest storylines for the San Francisco 49ers this offseason will undoubtedly be the contract extension negotiations with quarterback Brock Purdy. Entering the fourth year of his rookie deal, Purdy is set to earn a modest salary of just over $1 million in 2025... -
Why the 49ers' wait for Robert Saleh could extend beyond this weekend
Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is scheduled to meet with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday for a second interview regarding their head coaching vacancy. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers are closely monitoring the situation, as head coach Kyle Shanahan is... -
49ers legend Patrick Willis names favorite current linebackers
Hall of Fame linebacker Patrick Willis recently spoke with Touchdown Wire's Ed Easton Jr., offering his insights on today's NFL game. Willis, who spent his entire eight-year career with the San Francisco 49ers, earned five first-team All-Pro honors and was selected to the Pro... -
Another option emerges for 49ers' DC candidate Robert Saleh
Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is gaining attention in the coaching market. He is scheduled to interview with the Las Vegas Raiders tomorrow for their head coach vacancy, having already met with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the same role. Additionally, Saleh...