2014 San Francisco Predictions
The question ahead of the San Francisco 49ers heading into the 2014-2015 season is a simple one. Are they good enough to beat the Seattle Seahawks within their own division. There is little doubt that the Niners are one of the two or three best teams in the NFC – it is just a matter of getting by the defending Super Bowl champs that will decide their fate.
2013 Record Straight Up: 12-4-0
2013 ATS Record: 10-5-1
Odds to win the 2015 Super Bowl XLIX: 7/1
Odds to win the 2015 NFC Conference: 4/1
Odds to Win the 2014 NFC West: +140
49ers Futures from Bovada
The San Francisco 49ers will rely on a tremendous defense again this year – the offense will likely do its job. But the real identity for this team is defense San Fran’s front seven should be very strong depending on what happens to Aldon Smith who again faces a lengthy suspension. Justin Smith and Ray McDonald anchor the end positions with Tank Carradine, Glenn Dorsey and Ian Williams joining them on the line.
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The linebackers are out of this world – Patrick Willis, Ahmad Brooks and Aldon Smith who again may miss some time. NaVorro Bowman will likely miss the first half of the season, but when he returns, he will give this unit a big boost – Bowman should return for the stretch drive which could propel this unit over the top.
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The offense will be led once again by Colin Kaepernick, fresh off a handsome contract extension in the offseason. Kaepernick is only going to get better – the question is whether his progression can match that of Russell Wilson’s. The 49ers will trot out a stellar group of pass catchers including Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin, newly signed Stevie Johnson from Buffalo and Brandon Lloyd – impressive indeed. And I haven’t even mentioned Vernon Davis! The lack of a reliable deep threat – a burner who can get by defenses is still somewhat absent in the 49ers attack – the only real hole on this offense.
There is no reason that San Francisco won’t be able to spread the ball around in 2014-2015. The passing game will be buoyed by a healthy running game that should open things up and give them a few opportunities.
We all know that the 49ers will run the ball. Along with the scramble ability of Colin Kaepernick the Niners have the luxury of a boatload of quality backs. Frank Gore will be spelled by youngsters Carlos Hyde and Marcus Lattimore, and Kendall Hunter will provide the change of pace back for Gore.
49ers 2014 Betting Prediction:
I keep going back to the question I asked earlier. Are the 49ers good enough to beat the Seattle Seahawks? This is a team that has appeared in the NFC Championship game three straight years – no reason to think that a significant drop-off is imminent.
In the end the NFC Championship will likely go through Seattle – it is hard to imagine anyone winning there in there playoffs. When all is said San Francisco looks every bit the second best team in the NFC – the only problem for them is that the best team lies within their own division.
With NFL football betting times just a short time away, Cappers Picks NFL handicappers have been hard at work putting out the team by team NFL Season Predictions & Previews for those of us who can’t wait.
