2018 Record: 4-12 (3rd, NFC West)
2019 Record: 5-0 (1st, NFC West)
Outlook: The 2018 49ers’ fortunes took a nosedive when quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo went down for the year in Week 3. Without their newly-minted star quarterback, the 49ers won just three times in their final 14 games.
This season has been a much different story.
With a healthy (and wealthy) Garoppolo and an exceptional defense led by DeForest Buckner, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Kwon Alexander, and veteran Richard Sherman, the 49ers are the most improved team in the NFL.