2013 NFL Predictions: San Francisco 49ers Projected Wins plus NFC and Super Bowl Odds

2013 NFL Predictions: San Francisco 49ers Projected Wins plus NFC and Super Bowl Odds: The San Francisco 49ers couldn’t have come any closer to winning a Super Bowl title last year without actually getting their hands on the Lombardi Trophy. After a bizarre blackout and thrilling comeback, the 49ers found themselves inside 10-yard line of the Baltimore Ravens, trailing by five with less than two minutes to go. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick floated a pass to the corner of the end zone, but it sailed wide of receiver Michael Crabtree. Baltimore would basically run out the clock from there. The heartbreaking loss came on the heels of another heartbreaking loss in the NFC title game the year before, and for a team that has clearly been championship caliber the last two years, the only question heading into the 2013 NFL season becomes whether or not San Francisco can finally seal the deal.

The Good News:

San Francisco’s defense is absolutely loaded. Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman are the best linebacker duo in the NFL, and defensive end Justin Smith and pass-rusher Aldon Smith are two of the best at their positions, as well. The 49ers also added safety Eric Reid out of LSU in the first round of the draft and signed free agent defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey and corner Nnamdi Asomugha. Meanwhile, San Francisco is just as stout along the offensive line as they are on the defensive line. Running back Frank Gore heads the power running game while LaMichael James and Kendall Hunter provide a change of pace. Perhaps most importantly, Kaepernick adds an explosive dimension to the 49ers offense thanks to his dual-threat ability. His strong arm stretches defenses deep, and he can burn pass-rushers with his scrambling ability. The offseason addition of veteran receiver Anquan Boldin certainly won’t hurt the young QB’s development either.

The Bad News:

Kaepernick’s favorite target last season was Michael Crabtree, but the former first-round pick will miss a bulk of the regular season while he recovers from an Achilles injury. On the defensive side of the ball, hard-hitting safety Dashon Goldson left in free agency along with nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga. Depth is also a slight issue for the 49ers, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The receiving corps is thin with Crabtree sidelined, and if Kaepernick goes down, Colt McCoy is currently listed as the backup QB. Meanwhile, staying healthy while navigating a division like the NFC West that is filled with tough defenses isn’t a guarantee.

Outlook:

Two years ago, San Francisco used a power running game and a stout defense to get within a game of the Super Bowl. Last year, the same formula for success combined with the firepower that Kaepernick added to the offense got them within a play of winning the Super Bowl. Heading into the 2013 season the offensive line and the defense are as talented as ever, and Kapernick’s play in first full season will likely decide whether the 49ers are merely in the mix for a title or are Super Bowl favorites. Playing in a division with a loaded Seattle team and an improving St. Louis team will likely result in a few losses along the way, but in the end, San Francisco is just too good on defense and too physical in the trenches not to be successful. A Super Bowl is a definite possibility, and another NFC West crown should be on tap.

Prediction: 12-4, NFC West Division Champions

San Francisco 49ers Odds to Win NFC West: +100
San Francisco 49ers Odds to Win NFC: +250
San Francisco 49ers Odds to Win Super Bowl: +450

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