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NFL Power Rankings: 5 Super Bowl favorites

By Taylor Armosino

Jun 17, 2014; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Russell Wilson (3) watch a scrimmage play during minicamp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2014; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Russell Wilson (3) watch a scrimmage play during minicamp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 17, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) throws the ball during minicamp at the 49ers practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) throws the ball during minicamp at the 49ers practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

San Francisco 49ers

While the 49ers are possibly the second most talented team in football behind the Seahawks, they do come into this season with some legitimate concerns. NaVorro Bowman is instrumental to their defense, but they’ll have to play at least half the season without him as he recovers from a torn ACL. Vernon Davis and Alex Boone may holdout, Justin Smith is 34 and it’s unknown if Aldon Smith’s continued off-field troubles will affect him on it. At cornerback, they’ll likely be starting Tramaine Brock, typically a nickel corner, and Chris Culliver, who missed all of last season with injury.

And while age is also a factor with them – they were the second oldest team in the NFL last year – they do have some interesting young players that could make an impact. Tank Carradine and Marcus Lattimore each, essentially, red-shirted with injury last season. They’re not guarantees to contribute, but both were touted prospects before suffering injuries. The 49ers also had 12 draft picks, including two in Jimmie Ward and Carlos Hyde that should make an impact right away.

Though they’ve been to three straight NFC championship games, there’s growing concern that the 49ers might’ve missed their championship window. I’m not there yet. On top of Jim Harbaugh coaching and Colin Kaepernick coaching, there is still a ton of talent on this team. I’m intrigued to see how they work Stevie Johnson into the offense and having a full season of Michael Crabtree should help as well. More passing and less running might be the answer this season and Kaepernick is more than capable of a breakout season.

But you get the sense that the organization may be at a tipping point. Earlier this offseason, there were reports that the 49ers had discussed trading Harbaugh to the Browns. Another playoff misstep this season may bring on big systematic changes and then all bets are off moving forward. But they still have as good a chance as anyone to get to the Super Bowl this season.

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