49ers expected to lead NFC in wins next season

From the basement to the penthouse, the San Francisco 49ers emerged as champions of the NFC last season, after years of losing and turmoil, and they are favored to win the conference again next season. 

It’s fair, given the fall of the Los Angeles Rams in 2019, to ask — was last season a one-off for the 49ers, or can they stave off regression and sustain success? 

The odds on the 49ers to win the Super Bowl are +900 at BetAmerica, and +450 to win the NFC Championship. No team has won back-to-back NFC titles since the Seattle Seahawks did it in 2014-2015. 

49ers total wins set at 10.5

After years of being a punchline in the NFC West, the 49ers shed free of their rebuild and posted a 13-win season in 2019.

San Francisco’s wins total is set at 10.5, with the Over favored at odds of -120 at BetAmerica, though it might be unrealistic to expect the 49ers to reach the same lofty levels next season.

Only two NFC teams have win totals set above double digits. The other is the New Orleans Saints, whose number is also set at 10.5. 

The 49ers’ schedule hasn’t been released yet, but know the opponents they will face. Their biggest challenges will likely come from the Saints, the NFC North champion Green Bay Packers, and within their own division — specifically the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals, while the Rams seem poised for another down year.  

San Francisco will also face teams from the NFC East and AFC East, which could be the weakest divisions in the NFL next season.

Can the 49ers defensive line maintain its dominant form?

The 49ers’ success last season could be traced to the line of scrimmage, specifically a defensive line that wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. 

A defensive line consisting of five former first-round picks is quite a luxury, and that group didn’t disappoint. 

They were disruptive and dominant. Arik Armstead, Nick Bosa, DeForest Buckner, and Dee Ford combined for 33 sacks, one interception, and seven fumble recoveries.

But Buckner has been traded, and it will be difficult to replace his production. This could give Solomon Thomas more opportunity to produce. Buckner had 7 1/2 sacks and four fumble recoveries last year, but salary-cap implications forced the 49ers’ hand, and they opted to move Buckner to Indianapolis for the 13th overall Draft pick. 

A drop-off in production may occur. The 49ers defensive line may not be quite as dominant as last season, but most clubs wish they had the talent that remains in San Francisco.

49ers need a better pass game to compliment the run

Pundits at Pro Football Focus are of the mind that the 49ers could use the 13th pick to select one of the top receiver prospects in the NFL Draft. 

Is that Jerry Jeudy or Henry Ruggs out of Alabama? Or CeeDee Lamb from Oklahoma?

That remains to be seen, but the 49ers will need to replace Emmanuel Sanders with a top-end talent, to give Jimmy Garoppolo an additional target, along with tight end George Kittle and sophomore receiver Deebo Samuel.

San Francisco had the No. 2-ranked run game in the NFL last season. Their concern has to be with the pass game, which also falls on its quarterback, who struggled when asked to throw the ball in the Super Bowl.

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