49ers Season Preview: Dave Helman and Derek Klassen Breakdown SF's 2026 Outlook

In a recent season preview episode of The Athletic Football Show, analysts Dave Helman and Derek Klassen broke down the 2026 San Francisco 49ers. Moving past basic offseason summaries, the two of them delivered a nuanced critique of Kyle Shanahan's evolving offense, Raheem Morris' defense, and the balancing act facing San Francisco. The show kicked off with enthusiasm for a healthy Brock Purdy returning to lead the offense. Klassen and Helman emphasized that Purdy's top-10 EPA per play efficiency kept San Francisco operating at a high level despite severe injuries in 2025. However, the true game changer for 2026 is the addition of veteran wideout Mike Evans and second round rookie De'Zhaun Stribling. "Mike Evans can still take a go ball and pluck it off somebody's head... having somebody that is a viable threat in that area of the field is the way for this offense to be fully unlocked again." — Derek Klassen, The Athletic Football Show Despite pass-game optimism, The Football Show warned of an underlying issue along the offensive line and in the running game. San Francisco's run game success rate dipped to average levels last season, and the team enters 2026 starting a rookie at left guard. With Christian McCaffrey coming off a heavy 400-touch workload at age 30, the analysts questioned whether the front line can generate push against light boxes. If opponents refuse to pull safeties out of the box and San Francisco cannot execute in short-yardage running situations, the offense could face similar friction to last year's playoff exit. Turning to the defensive side of the ball, new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris inherits a front seven attempting to rebound from a brutal statistical year. When asked what keeps them up at night regarding the 49ers, both hosts used the analogy of riding an old wooden roller coaster. The 49ers are exciting, but constantly feeling on the verge of collapsing. Player Injury / Workload Concern Analysis Nick Bosa Knee Tendinitis / ACL Recovery Missed training camp snaps; knee flared up during ramp-up Christian McCaffrey 400-Touch Strain Historical data shows dramatic fall-offs after 375+ touch years Mike Evans Soft-Tissue Strains Multiple minor leg tweaks throughout August practices Mykel Williams PUP List Recovery from offseason ACL surgery keeps him out until Week 5 Renardo Green Hamstring Strain Missed time late in the preseason The episode concluded with a sobering reality check regarding San Francisco's championship window. While most NFL franchises evaluate success on player development or playoff appearances, the 49ers' core (Trent Williams, George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, Fred Warner, and Nick Bosa) is aging out of its prime. Because the organization has suffered multiple painful postseason losses over recent years, The Athletic hosts agreed that anything short of a Super Bowl appearance feels like a disappointment, making 2026 one of the highest-pressure seasons of the Kyle Shanahan era. Do you agree? Best Newest first Oldest first