The 29-17 loss to the Dolphins perfectly encapsulated the campaign: statistically strong but fundamentally rotten. On Sunday, the Niners averaged more yards per play than the Dophins. San Francisco’s defense held Miami to 4-of-12 on third downs and only one red-zone touchdown in three tries.

Another chapter in the San Francisco 49ers book is complete. Week 16 looked much like the previous chapters we’ve read this season. There were positives, negatives, bright spots, and enough miscues to remind you why the Niners won’t be competing in the postseason.

Any hope that the 2024 San Francisco 49ers are some better version of themselves has rapidly been extinguished over the las