The 49ers were one of the worst teams in the NFL a season ago and seem likely to finish near the cellar once again. While the season win total projections forecast a slight uptick after 2016’s 2-14 showing, it’s not a huge jump.
The 49ers have a lot of new pieces but any thought of a .500 season or the playoffs is a pipe dream. This is a long-term rebuilding plan and San Francisco will be judging itself more on progress than wins and losses in 2017.
San Francisco 49ers Opening Futures Odds at BookMaker.eu
49ers Over 4.5 Wins -169
49ers Under 4.5 Wins +137
2017 San Francisco 49ers Offense Preview
The 49ers signed Brian Hoyer to be their quarterback this season, as he is replacing the duo of Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert, who were each ineffective last season. Hoyer has typically been a below-average signal-caller during his career, and it’s going to be tough to get it going for a team that does not have a lot of weapons.
Pierre Garcon was signed and should be the go-to pass-catcher, while Carlos Hyde is expected to get the majority of the carries. Shanahan is a bright offensive mind, so maybe he can get more out of this group than expected, but it’s not going to come close to what Shanahan helped deliver with the NFC champion Atlanta Falcons last season.
2017 San Francisco 49ers Defense Preview
The defensive line could be the strongest position group on the team. DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead and Solomon Thomas were all high picks in recent years and hope to get constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
NaVorro Bowman and Reuben Foster lead the linebacker corps, and if the front seven can excel then maybe the 49ers can be close to league average. However, there is some inexperience at cornerback, and if quarterbacks have time they should have big games against San Francisco.
The 49ers didn’t add many players in free agency on this time of the ball, hoping the young players can step up and help the unit improve.
2017 San Francisco 49ers Schedule Analysis
The start to the season is a rough one, as the 49ers begin the season with four road games among their first six contests. San Francisco has to face off with the Panthers, Seahawks, Cardinals, Colts and Redskins in that span, and its only chance at being favored is a home game against the Rams.
Next up is five more tough games, as the 49ers face the Cowboys, Eagles, Cardinals, Giants and Seahawks. The schedule finally lightens up late, although by that point the 49ers could be way under .500 and already looking ahead. They may be able to make some hay in road games against the Bears and Rams as well as home games against the Titans and Jaguars.
The Final Verdict
Four wins isn’t an extremely high bar to clear, but San Francisco will be at a clear talent deficiency compared to most of its opponents. The first batch of games will not be pretty, but if the 49ers can find a way to win a couple in the first half of their schedule, reaching five wins is definitely a possibility.
Shanahan is a bright young coach and this team should be better than last year. Take the 49ers to surprise on the year and muster enough wins to hit the “over,” with the games down the stretch the deciding factor as they find a slight groove despite another losing season.
NFL Odds: San Francisco 49ers Over 4.5 Wins (-169)
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