49ers - Still a year away from a wildcard.
Gore has shown he can carry the load and rack up yards, this will allow Alex Smith to take the next step. A year of Vernon Davis will give Smith an outlet to pass to, and Davis is also figuring out how to fit in better with his teammates (he ruffled a few feathers in training camp). The secondary should be better after throwing a huge contract at Nate Clemons
On the down side, the WR corps is unproven. The D is still figuring out the 3-4, and the changes are going to require time to gel. This is a team that over-achieved last year, but was still in the lower parts of the league on offenses and defense.
This year they won't surprise anyone, but will also do better at beating the teams they should.
If they can go into the bye week at 3-2, I think they will have a better 2nd half and a chance at a WC. The only way they win the NFC West is if Seattle and St.Louis struggle.
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