The 2023 NFL Season is here, and the Music City Drive In is getting you ready. Check back each day from now until September 3 as we look at each team and make award and playoff predictions. Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments.

For the second season in a row, the San Francisco 49ers made it all the way to the NFC Championship Game. This time it was on the arm of a rookie taken with the last pick in the NFL Draft. The 49ers’ NFC Championship Game appearance didn’t go as planned, with the team falling short of the Super Bowl. The question is whether last year’s rookie phenom can lead the team back—or further—in 2023.

Off-Season Changes

The biggest loss for the 49ers might have been at coach, where Defensive Coordinator DeMeco Ryans left to take the Head Coach job for the Houston Texans. He took a couple of defenders—defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway and safety Jimmie Ward—with him. In addition, the 49ers parted with veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. He left to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders. Finally, the team lost right tackle Mike McGlinchey, who signed with the Broncos.

While the 49ers lost some pieces, the team added some pieces too. The team added a veteran quarterback in Sam Darnold, who figures to join a group that includes former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance and rookie phenom Brock Purdy. The 49ers also added former Eagles’ defensive tackle Javon Hargraves to boost the defense.

In the draft, the 49ers didn’t have a pick until the Third Round, but they made three selections in the round. The first was safety Ji’Ayir Brown and took tight end Cameron Latu with the third selection. In between, the 49ers drafted kicker Jake Moody, who could well replace Robbie Gould for the 49ers.

Fantasy Impact

The first question is quarterback. Purdy injured his throwing arm in the NFC Championship Game and his health has been a question all off-season. He didn’t end up on PUP and appears to be ready to go, as the 49ers have declared him the incumbent starter. He finished with 1,374 yards, 13 touchdowns and four interceptions, going 5-0 in his starts in 2022. I have him as a QB2. I think Darnold is probably the most likely backup, which leaves Lance the odd man out for the 49ers. He might still be a decent buy-low in dynasty in case he’s traded and gets a shot elsewhere.

In the backfield, the 49ers acquired Christian McCaffrey mid-season and he thrived. McCaffrey finished as RB2. He did everything for the 49ers, rushing for touchdowns, catching touchdowns and even throwing a touchdown. He’s one of the best all-around backs and found a perfect landing spot. I like him as an RB1. The 49ers have a solid backup in Elijah Mitchell who himself had a great rookie season. Still, with McCaffrey in town, Mitchell feels like more of a bench stash.

The 49ers aren’t just talented in the backfield, they have a great group of receivers. The primary focus is wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Ayiuk and all-world tight end George Kittle. Aiyuk was WR15 in 2022 and remains an under-rated asset to me. Some of Samuel’s upside as a rusher is curbed by McCaffrey. Both have WR2 potential. Kittle, meanwhile, is a TE1. The only challenge for this group is staying on the field.

Prediction

The 49ers have used four different quarterbacks the past two seasons and still made it to back-to-back NFC Championship Games. The team has a talented defense and one of the best set of offensive skill position players in the league. I think they’ll easily win the NFC West and be a top seed in the NFC Playoffs once again.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.