Multiple ESPN analysts pick 49ers to appear in, win Super Bowl LVIII

Now that the 2022 NFL season is over, why not look ahead to the 2023 season? Specifically, Super Bowl LVIII.

Ten ESPN analysts were asked for their early predictions on Super Bowl matchups, MVPs and breakout players for the 2023 NFL season. Seven selected the San Francisco 49ers to make it to the Big Game. Only four picked the Chiefs to repeat as champions.

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Fantasy football analyst Stephania Bell was the lone expert to pick the 49ers to win it all.

49ers over Bengals. I thought this would be the Super Bowl LVII matchup, so it’s just being deferred a year. Both teams have the rosters, coaches and recent playoff experience to navigate the path to Las Vegas, as long as they can each stay healthy.

The others who select the 49ers say they have a well-rounded team, but competition from the AFC — Chiefs, Bengals or Bills — would be too strong for San Francisco to overcome.

While none of the analysts selected an MVP from the Red & Gold, one said there’s a player poised to have a breakout season. And Jason Reid, senior Andscape writer at ESPN, explains why quarterback Trey Lance will be the team’s breakout player.

Trey Lance, QB, 49ers. After having multiple surgeries on his right ankle, Lance is expected to be ready for OTAs. Purdy won’t be, though, as he recovers from elbow surgery. Assuming the 49ers move on from Garoppolo, the path should be clear for Lance to be the team’s Week 1 starter for the second straight season. Let’s not forget that the 49ers traded up in the 2021 draft to take Lance third overall. With this roster, Lance could shine.

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