San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens who threw for 291 yards, one touchdown, and one interception will get the start on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome (file photo from draftkingsnation.com)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The rest of the season is going to feel strange for the 49ers. It may be the understatement of the year to say the 49ers season has not gone according to plan. They are 4-5 on the season and playoff hopes are now a thing of the past. Most of this hasn’t been something they can control.

The 49ers are down many key pieces. Firstly, they are without their quarterback Jimmy Garapollo. Granted, Jimmy has not been very good this year when healthy but who knows if he has even been healthy at all this year. He has been very underwhelming and looks to have lost favor with head coach Kyle Shanahan. I wouldn’t be surprised at all that this is the end of the road in San Francisco for the quarterback.

Also injured, and most likely out for the year, is maybe the best Tight End in football George Kittle. That is a big blow to any team but especially one already reeling from injuries.

The 49ers defense has also been banged up most the year. It has been a rough year for all involved with the 49ers injury wise.

That brings us to Sundays game. The high flying, division leading New Orleans Saints will be hosting the 49ers and looking for their seventh win of the season. As usual, Drew Brees will look the pick apart the susceptible 49ers defense.

My Pick: I think the game will be a blowout. The 49ers season is almost all but over and I don’t envision them playing very hard on Sunday. I predict the Saints will win by two touchdowns 28-14.