3. San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
Let’s preface this selection by saying I do believe the Niners are a playoff club, and their presence on this list is based on offseason changes and the mighty tough division they compete in.
Most of the regression I expect to be on the defensive side of the ball. Aldon Smith is going to be suspended, while NaVorro Bowman is coming off ACL and MCL surgeries and probably won’t be back with the team until mid-season. And in the secondary, Chris Culliver and Tramaine Brock are now thrust into starting roles, while Antoine Bethea is in his first year with the team.
Defense has always been the core of the Niners under Jim Harbaugh, and with that unit primed to take a step back, there will be even more pressure on Colin Kaepernick and the offense. And the NFC West is the wrong division to rely on offense.
2014: 9-7
