2007 San Francisco 49ers Predictions & Season Preview
June 5, 2008
With our 2007 49ers predictions we started out thinking that this team is primed for a playoff run, but after a little closer look we think the team is going to fall a little bit short. The main reason is just how tough the division is going to be with Seattle maintaining a solid edge and both the Rams and Cardinals improving as well. San Francisco had a great rebuilding year last year, but can they overachieve two years in a row? We don’t think so.
Alex Smith made some great strides last season from his rookie campaign, but he’s going to have to keep improving for this team to have a chance. Last year his 16 TDs matched his 16 interceptions and his passer rating was still under 75, which puts him in the bottom half. His growth should continue this season, and he’ll be helped by running back Frank Gore. Gore posted some massive numbers last season with a club-record 1,695 yards and 5.4 ypc. He wants to break the single season rushing record, but don’t expect him to do so. The Niners are going to be careful with him and his reconstructed knees. Instead of Arnaz Battle and a troubled Antonio Bryant in the lineup, the Niners will have Darrell Jackson and Ashely Lelie. If Lelie continues his trend of under-performance and disappointment then expect third-round pick Jason Hill to get some looks. Vernon Davis was picked no.6 overall in last year’s draft and his size and speed will create havoc on the opposition.
Up front San Fran is going to have some problems as they switch to the 3-4. Bryant Young is still there, but will be entering his 14th season so just how effective he can be is a mystery. Ronald Fields was progressing nicely until breaking his arm late in the year, but at nose tackle the team picked up Aubrayo Franklin, a career backup. The 49ers spent their first round pick at linebacker for the second straight year when they picked up Patrick Willis from Ole Miss. He joins Manny Lawson, last year’s draftee, as athletic guys behind the line. Tully Banta-Cain was brought in at outside linebacker, but he’s been a career backup, while Brandon Moore was impressive when he got the nod as a starter. The secondary will be the strength of the defense with two Pro Bowl corners in Nate Clements and Walt Harris. Clements was paid big money to be a shutdown guy. Mark Roman is a steady safety and Michael Lewis should still be able to perform after coming over from the Eagles.
We here at InfoPlays tend to think the odds makers are going a little overboard with how well they think the 49ers will do this season. Sure, the team is going to be improved from the squad that won two games in 2004 and four games in 2005, but don’t expect any miracles. The team is still young and it seems like all these teams are a year away when the so-called expert analysts start predicting great things for them. We are taking the UNDER 7.5 wins, mostly because the value is pretty good. While 8-8 or better is certainly possible, 7-9 or worse is just as likely. This team is going to miss out on the playoffs, so don’t take them on any of the prop bets.