Eight games into the 2024 season, the 49ers find themselves at .500 but have a fair shot to win the division. How to play the second half? It’s time to get out the tarot cards and crystal ball. And cahds nevah is a lie.

Will the Niners make a move at the deadline?

When John Lynch says nothing is happening anytime soon, it doesn’t seem that way anymore. That being said, I can see the Niners trying to gain depth on the defensive line.

Giants wideout Azeez Ojulari is being reported in the national media, but he would be a popular target and would require overpayment. A smaller move for Calais Campbell, Za’Darius Smith or Jadeveon Clowney is possible and could actually be beneficial.

Why the hesitation? Lynch and Kyle Shanahan tend to want things to happen. They hope the return of Christian McCaffrey and Dre Greenlaw soon will give the team the spark it needs.

Two more factors play a role here. The Niners had to sacrifice next year’s fifth-round pick, so they’re left with fewer cards. Plus, the success of this year’s draft might convince them to stick with their picks for once.

The league-wide question is whether Detroit will make a move to replace Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions might be the team willing to match Ojulari’s asking price — if the Giants are willing to move him.

Philadelphia is rumored to be hot after Arizona All-Pro safety Budda Baker.

Can the Niners snap a winning streak?

They will need to win three in a row with Dallas coming first. Tampa and Seattle, without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, are expected to win at home.

The Niners ended their winning streak after the bye, with Shanahan posting a winning percentage over .700. He has time to take a good look at the roster and determine how best to fine-tune it to get the most out of the talent.

That puts them at 6-4, so what happens next?

Then it gets difficult. In Green Bay at Lambeau, weather forecasts for the 24th range from 33 to 40 degrees, some calling for dry, some calling for snow or rain. I’d bet on the latter, which means turnovers and a loss from Brock Purdy. Then according to Buffalo, the Bills are playing well and the Niners couldn’t stop Josh Allen the last time they played. Another loss.

That puts them at 6-6, what happens next?

Then two matches that will decide their fate. Chicago is a must-win game at home, but they face a tough defense. The Rams are at home in what looks to be the most important game of the year. Thursday night is their third game in eleven days and rain is currently forecast. Rams. This will likely end the 49ers’ playoff hopes with the Rams neck and neck.

Miami is on its way, it should mind its business. Detroit came home, no. Arizona will shut this down, yes.

The 49ers finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs, losing in the wild-card tiebreaker. The Rams game is everything. The draft pick would be in his late teens.

So how do they avoid this?

McCaffrey and Greenlaw need to get back to their 2023 form as soon as possible. The problem is that they both need to be treated carefully to prevent re-injury and will need time to get back into football shape.

Another important point is whether the rookies continue to rise or hit the wall. The Niners are relying heavily on young players this year, and the kids will need to lean on that as well if the team is to make it to the postseason.

A final key is Purdy’s handling of the elements. Games against Green Bay and the Rams are vital, both of which could be played in the rain. Shanahan needs to be aware of this and score more runs, and Purdy needs to step up as well.

What happens if they miss the play-offs?

I don’t expect Jed York to move on from Kyle Shanahan after this season, but if Shanahan misses the playoffs, he could enter next season on the hot seat.

As for the draft, I’d like de facto GM Shanahan to focus on Michigan tight end Colston Loveland. Despite the loaded draft on the defensive line, their weapons are first biased. I hope not, we’ll see how it turns out.

What happens if they make the play-offs?

Then, if they go on a hot streak, they have a good chance of winning the wild card game. A group round win looks like a long shot right now. I would like them to lose to Detroit when they face the Lions.

All good for now, the Niners just need to win the next two and get McCaffrey and Greenlaw on the field in football shape. Then they have a chance.

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