For the second successive season, the 49ers will have to turn things around after a disappointing start to the season to reach the playoffs.
The 49ers are 3-4 after an error-strewn performance in a 44-23 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs and face a critical NFC West matchup with the Los Angeles Rams in Week 8.
In 2021, San Francisco recovered from going 3-5 across the first eight games to win seven of their final nine and reach the postseason at 10-7, before going on to progress to the NFC Championship Game.
The Niners have the roster to reach similar heights this season but, after dropping two straight, they have several pressing questions to answer if they are to reach the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2013.