Brock PurdyAP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez
Odds: -150
Despite the uncertainty at the quarterback position, the San Francisco 49ers get the benefit of the doubt in the NFC West thanks to head coach Kyle Shanahan’s play-calling wizardry.
Remember, the 49ers started three quarterbacks through the course of the 2022 campaign and still finished four wins above the second-place Seattle Seahawks.
This offseason, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy underwent surgery on his torn UCL, which creates an opportunity for Sam Darnold or Trey Lance to start Week 1 of the upcoming campaign. Assuming Purdy eventually reclaims the starting job after leading the team to the NFC Championship Game, San Francisco should win consecutive division titles.
In the meantime, Darnold may start under center. He has the experience to keep the offense steady. With him at the helm, the Carolina Panthers almost pulled off an upset to win the NFC South last year.
Interestingly, people within the 49ers building told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport not to count out Lance. If the third-year signal-caller earns the lead role, his inexperience may cost San Francisco some games early in the 2023 campaign. He’s played in just nine games since 2020.
So, who could knock off the 49ers?
Well, it won’t be the Arizona Cardinals. They’re in Year 1 of a rebuild with a new front office and coaching staff. Most importantly, quarterback Kyler Murray is recovering from a torn ACL.
Don’t count on the Los Angeles Rams, either. They’ve lost that Super Bowl shine from two years ago. Quarterback Matthew Stafford and wideout Cooper Kupp will come back healthy, but other than Aaron Donald, the Rams have a young, inexperienced defense that will give up a lot of points.
Though the 49ers beat the Seahawks three times last season, Seattle will come back stronger with a trio of rookies who could contribute right away. Wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba, running back Zach Charbonnet and cornerback Devon Witherspoon will help the Seahawks win more games in 2023.
If anyone poses a challenge to the 49ers in the NFC West, it’s the Seahawks, though quarterback Geno Smith must show consistency with another high-performance season.
Confidence Meter: 9
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Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.