NFL Betting Online: The departure of head coach Jim Harbaugh started a mass exodus that leaves the 49ers looking nothing like the team that made three straight NFC Championship game appearances.
2014 Season Record: 8-8 SU, 6-9-1 ATS, 5-11 O/U
2015 Regular Season Wins Total: 7, +105 O, -125 U
Odds to Win Super Bowl: +6700
Odds to Win NFC: +3500
Odds to Win Division: +1438
The 49ers lost 11 players who started at least nine games in 2014. They also departed with their head coach, offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator. So yeah, transition is a key theme for the Santa Clara-based team.
Jim Harbaugh was relieved of his duties and headed back to college, Vic Fangio is the DC with the Chicago Bears and Greg Roman has taken over as offensive coordinator with the Buffalo Bills. No team has had such a tumultuous offseason in the NFL in, forever.
New head coach Jim Tomsula, who was promoted from defensive line coach, takes over a team in flux, especially on the defensive side of the ball where lineman Justin Smith retired after 14 seasons, linebackers Chris Borland and Patrick Willis both retired citing health concerns, and safety Bubba Ventrone accepted a coaching position with the Patriots. Gone via free agency are cornerbacks Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox and linebacker Dan Skuta.
So, new defensive coordinator Eric Mangini will have two players – Darnell Dockett and NaVorro Bowman – coming off major knee surgery to be the anchors on a rebuilt defense. Good luck.
Colin Kaepernick remains the quarterback but the supporting cast, other than tight end Vernon Davis, has changed, leaving new OC Geep Chryst with a lot of work to do. The team brought in running back Reggie Bush after franchise rushing leader Frank Gore opted to go to Indianapolis, and Torrey Smith replaces Michael Crabtree at receiver. Bush and Carlos Hyde will likely split time in the backfield, but there is a significant downgrade at that spot.
Tomsula has stated he wants a vertical offense with more throws in the 20-plus yard range and Kaepernick has worked on his throwing delivery to accommodate. It sounds good, but with Mike Iupati and Anthony Davis not there to protect him, it could be an issue staying upright long enough to make those tosses.
And that’s really not Kaepernick’s game. He’s a scrambler and creator in the backfield and trying to make him something he’s not could be more damaging.
KEY ADDITIONS: DE Darnell Dockett, RB Reggie Bush, WR Torrey Smith, OL Erik Pears,
KEY LOSSES: OT Anthony Davis, LB Chris Borland, LB Patrick Willis, RB Frank Gore, WR Michael Crabtree, OG Mike Iupati, CB Chris Culliver, P Andy Lee, DL Justin Smith.
It’s hard to imagine the Niners not sucking this year, with all their losses and not enough talent brought in to replace them. Too bad for the organization they didn’t lose the GM, who took a team two years removed from a Super Bowl appearance to this. The Niners’ win total is set at 7 and that seems too high for all the upheaval this team has endured.
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! Bet on San Francisco 49ers futures odds, spreads, totals and moneylines at BookMaker.
