I realize this post and its attached poll have virtually no value whatsoever. I realize talking about the 2012 playoffs right now is somewhere between crazy and absurd. However, as we sit and wait for today's AFC and NFC Conference Championship Games, I thought it'd be fun to at least ponder the possibilities. The Jim Harbaugh era has only just begun but optimism is flowing mighty high at this point. We really shouldn't get ahead of ourselves at this point, but why not at least ponder over the possibilities?

The 49ers have no quarterback and several question marks throughout the roster. We don't even know what the 2011 NFL season holds for anybody given the labor strife. A work stoppage would do as much harm to teams like the 49ers (new coach, new offense) as it would to just about anybody else around the league. However, for a moment let's assume both sides get this labor strife worked out and things are fine moving forward. Considering the fact that we're discussing a potential playoff spot next season, I think it's OK for us to make certain leaps.

Where do you see the 49ers a year from now? Are they preparing for a conference title game? Just getting over a stinging first or second round playoff loss? Or long since hitting the golf course after another non-playoff season? People have gotten incredibly excited about the Jim Harbaugh era, so I'd guess a lot of folks are already imagining the playoffs even with a gaping hole at the quarterback position.

So, feel free to use this as an open thread for all your random predictions about the 49ers heading into 2012. You can give us specifics on where (or if) they'll end up in the playoffs. Maybe individual player predictions. Predictions about what you'll be having for breakfast a year from now. It's a lazy Sunday as we wait for the conference championship games, so why not enjoy it?