San Francisco 49ers Odds - Niners won't go anywhere without a quarterback
NFL betting odds have the San Francisco 49ers as a dark horse to win the NFC, and they’re an even bigger long shot according to Super Bowl odds. The 49ers are improving under coach Mike Singletary and they played much better near the end of the season, but until they find a true No.1 quarterback, online sports book players should tread with caution.
San Francisco 49ers odds: +4000 to win the Super Bowl
- Crabtree has Rookie of the Year potential
- 49ers need someone to step up at the quarterback position
- Willis leads underrated defense
The 49ers’ offense was 23rd in the NFL - including a surprising 13th in the air - but they couldn’t settle on J.T. O’Sullivan or Shaun Hill. O’Sullivan left in the offseason for Cincinnati, which means the battle for the quarterback job will be fought between Hill and former No.1 pick Alex Smith. Either player will have a very impressive target to throw to as Michael Crabtree fell to the 49ers at No.10 in the draft. Crabtree dominated at Texas Tech before turning pro, but there are worries about a lingering foot injury. He’ll also get the chance to learn from one of the best in veteran wideout Isaac Bruce, who is still productive as he heads into his 17th NFL season. This will also open up the field for running back Frank Gore, who had another 1,000-yard season but battled injuries; some think it’s due to the heavy workload from years past. The offensive line gave up a league-high 55 sacks last year, and outside of left tackle Joe Staley, it’s a ragtag group in San Fran.
The 49ers were 13th in the NFL in defense last year, and Patrick Willis could be the best inside linebacker in the league. After finishing first in tackles in his rookie year, Willis was second in the league while earning his second straight All-Pro nod. Willis teams with Takeo Spikes to make the 49ers tough to run on, and the 49ers are also solid up front. It’s the secondary that could take some shots, as corner Walt Harris tore his ACL. Shawntae Spencer is still recovering from the ACL tear that kept him out last season, meaning Dre’ Bly or Tarell Brown will end up opposite Nate Clements. Mark Roman or Dashon Goldson will be the free safety, and the other side is locked down with Michael Lewis.
Online betting odds aren’t giving San Francisco much of a chance, as they’re rated at +1800 in the NFC, and +4000 to win the Super Bowl. The 49ers are looking to be the surprise of the league like fellow NFC West team Arizona was in 2008, but unless Hill or Smith turn into the next Kurt Warner, a trip to Miami in February 2010 isn’t likely. The 49ers have the seventh-easiest schedule in the league thanks to playing in the NFC West, and they have to take advantage of their home games, especially. The defense will be even better than last year, but the onus is on the offense to pick up their game because they have the weapons, they just need someone to distribute the ball. The 49ers will challenge for a playoff spot with the determined and intense Singletary at the helm, but will ultimately fall short due to their offensive shortcomings, so don’t put too much faith in San Francisco’s NFL odds in your sportsbook.
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Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
