ESPN goes game-by-game, predicts the 49ers finish 11-5; lose in Divisional round

ESPN’s Seth Wilder used the websites FPI model to predict the 2020 regular season and playoffs. Here is how the San Francisco 49ers fared in each game:

Week 1: 49ers 31 Cardinals 29
Week 2: 49ers 59 Jets 28

Jimmy Garoppolo throws four touchdown passes — including the first of rookie Brandon Aiyuk’s young career — as the 49ers run circles around the Jets’ defense and win 59-28. The Niners could be trouble this season.

Week 3: 49ers 30 Giants 20
Week 4: Eagles 42 49ers 7

The Eagles’ statement win over San Francisco has everyone talking.

Week 5: 49ers 51 Dolphins 17

It’s already Tua Time in Miami, as the Dolphins turn to their top draft pick in Week 5. Tagovailoa throws for more than 300 yards, but the 49ers’ offense rolls to a 51-17 win.

Week 6: Rams 23 49ers 16

Week 7: 49ers 29 Patriots 17
Week 8: Seahawks 37 49ers 0

WEST STANDINGS at the midway point:
RAMS 6-2
49ERS 5-3
SEAHAWKS 4-3
CARDINALS 3-4

Week 9: 49ers 34 Packers 7
Week 10: Saints 34 49ers 14
Week 12: 49ers 40 Rams 32
Week 13: 49ers 27 Bills 24
Week 14: 49ers 41 Washington 17
Week 15: Cowboys 31 49ers 17
Week 16: 49ers 41 Cardinals 16
Week 17: 49ers 19 Seahawks 13

The 49ers hypothetically finish 11-5 and hold the tiebreaker over the Rams, who finished with the same record. San Francisco finished with the best record in the NFC and received a bye. There are quite a few scores I disagree with. I have a hard time seeing the 49ers ever scoring fewer than 14 points with this team. With that said, it’s not too far-fetched to assume the Niners finish with 11 wins. ESPN had the 49ers losing to the Cowboys at home 39-26 in the Divisional round.

I believe the Cowboys will be a tough team to beat for the 49ers as they’re loaded with playmakers and have a strong offensive line. We’ll see how Dak Prescott fares, though. He struggles against good defenses, and San Francisco’s defense is great.

What are some of the biggest surprises from ESPN’s predictions?