NFL: Projecting final records for all 32 teams
By Brad Rowland
San Francisco 49ers
Don’t look now, but the 49ers have issues. Aldon Smith is suspended, Ray McDonald is likely following in those footsteps, and stud linebacker NaVorro Bowman will miss a large portion of the season as he recovers from surgery. In addition, the secondary took a few hits in the off-season with the loss of two corners (Carlos Rogers, Tarell Brown) and a safety (Donte Whitner), and while they replaced Whitner with a combination that could actually improve, it does not come without questions.
Offensively, the 49ers should be better, and that is their saving grace. Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis are both healthy and ready to explode, Anquan Boldin is a perfect supporting target and rookie Bruce Ellington has been impressive during his short stay in the Bay Area. Throw in the combination of Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde in the backfield with “regular” progression from Colin Kaepernick and a high-end offensive line, and that recipe is there for a top-5 offense.
After winning 12 games last season, the Niners were probably due for a step back, and they “helped” that along by shooting themselves in a foot a few times. Still, this is one of the deeper rosters in the league, and they are certainly a playoff team.
The Pick: 10-6