Bleacher Reports predicts the Niners to go 12-4 in 2020

The NFL draft has come and gone, all 32 clubs have added their newest draft picks, and now it’s time to set our sights on the 2020 season finally. For fans, it’s the beginning of the “expectations’ period where every team and their fanbase starts to imagine how the upcoming could play out, for better or for worse.

Several media outlets have already tried their hand at predicting the win-loss record for each team, the most recent being Maurice Moton, an NFL analyst at Bleacher Report.

In his article, Moton has the Niners repeating their success from 2019 but losing one more game to finish 12-4.

“This team lost key players such as wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner,” said Moton. “But that won’t lead to a significant drop in the standings.

“General manager John Lynch found potential replacements for Sanders and Buckner on Day 1 of the draft, selecting defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and wideout Brandon Aiyuk.”

Even with a plethora of offensive firepower, Moton remained bullish on the Niners’ defensive front and how that talent will continue to pave the way to success for this team in 2020.

“Kinlaw will join Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead and Dee Ford on a stout defensive line. Over the last two years, the South Carolina product recorded ten sacks and 15 tackles for loss. He’ll fit in and produce solid numbers with a top-notch supporting cast around him.

“The 49ers’ consistent push toward the pocket helps the secondary. With cornerback Richard Sherman coming off his fifth Pro Bowl season, the pass defense still has a proven leader at the top of his game.”

As things stand, Moton believes the 49ers have everything they need to return to the big dance, but they’ll have to go through an improved division around them first.

What do you all think of Moton’s prediction? Is 12-4 too high or too low? Let’s talk about it.