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The San Francisco 49ers operate in a weird space right now as they prepare for the 2014 season. They have a well-deserved reputation as being an elite team in football (reaching the NFC Championship Game three years in a row will do that) but this may be the most questionable roster that Jim Harbaugh has worked since he became the head coach of the 49ers.
On offense, the 49ers will be looking for Colin Kaepernick to improve. Last season was a bit of a disappointment but that was largely due to a conservative coaching style and a lack of receiving options. The Niners had Vernon Davis and Anquan Boldin but they lacked another serious passing threat until Michael Crabtree returned midway through the season. With Crabtree, Boldin and newly acquired wide out Stevie Johnson, Kaepernick should be able to make good on the promise he’s shown during his first couple of seasons in the league. They’ll need Kaepernick’s arm as the running game will not be as sure a thing as its been in the past. Frank Gore has been reliable since the days of Alex Smith but he’s due to start slowing down. The Niners will need Carlos Hyde to become a regular threat for the Niners offense to move things consistently.
On defense, the Niners have even more questions. The secondary will be the big question mark but it will be interesting to see how the Niners adjust for the lack of NaVorro Bowman for half the year and whatever disciplinary action the NFL hands out to Aldon Smith. Add to that the fact that Justin Smith, long the 49ers most dependable defensive lineman, is starting to show his age and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the 49ers take a step back defensively.
In all, the 49ers have 7-1 odds to win the Super Bowl.
For more information on the 49ers betting lines and odds, view the video above and visit here.
