PFF picks Seahawks over 49ers to win NFC West

Another day, another prediction that the San Francisco 49ers will falter in 2020.

As we inch closer to Week 1 of the coronavirus NFL season, more members of the media are sharing their opinions on how they believe things will play out in the league. Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus released his predictions for the 2020 season, and has the Seattle Seahawks overtaking the Niners to win the NFC West:

“When in doubt, err on the side of the best quarterback, and right now Russell Wilson is the best quarterback in the NFL not named Patrick Mahomes. The 49ers will need to battle against the inevitable Super Bowl hangover, and though Seattle has some issues, they have added some immediate impact pieces at key spots (Jamal Adams, Quinton Dunbar).”

Russell Wilson is the best QB in the division, and we have seen how much of a headache he has caused San Francisco over the years. The additions of Jamal Adams and Quinton Dunbar significantly upgrades the Seahawks’ secondary, but there are still major holes on the roster, something you can’t say about the 49ers.

The funny part is that Monson didn’t take his own analysis seriously. The Niners have a clear advantage in the trenches on both sides of the ball. He previously ranked Seattle’s defensive line as the worst in the NFL. With Jadeveon Clowney still on the open market, their pass-rushing corps is weak. Unless 32-year-old Bruce Irvin, Poona Ford, or L.J. Collier suddenly become demons on the line, the Seahawks will struggle against opposing offensive lines, especially units as good as San Francisco’s. Sure, the secondary may be able to hold the fort for extended periods in coverage, but the success of the back end of the defense is hugely dependent on boys upfront.

Monson also avoided the trenches the other way. Duane Brown is very good at what he does, but which other offensive linemen on Seattle’s roster will consistently be able to protect Wilson? Former Niners’ left guard Mike Iupati is clearly in decline, and the center position is a huge question mark. Good luck containing Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Dee Ford, D.J. Jones, and Javon Kinlaw with a bunch of spare parts. Wilson is as elusive as they come in the pocket, but I would still take the 49ers’ defensive line to dominate against the weak Seahawks offensive line every single time, because they love da sack.

San Francisco will be a wild card team in 2020, according to Monson:

“I’m predicting the 49ers to get beaten out by the Seahawks for the division, but they’re still going to be good. Kyle Shanahan is too good of a coach for this team to disappear over one disappointment. The Eagles will likely run Dallas close, and Tom Brady’s move to Tampa will get them to the postseason because he will flourish with improved weaponry around him. Brady’s 79.0 PFF grade last season was his lowest since 2009, but his highest-graded wideout (Julian Edelman) had a mark of just 72.4.”

I’m sick of the predictions, sick of the disrespect, and sick of all the talk. Let’s get the season rolling so the 49ers can shut up all the haters!