2009 San Francisco 49ers NFL Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd on August 12, 2009

49ers 81209 With Mike Singletary on board as interim head coach, the 49ers finished the 2008 season 5-2. The team’s performance over the last two months of the season was enough to land Singletary the head coaching gig and now he is expected to end San Francisco’s string of six straight losing seasons. The San Francisco 49ers are listed at +4,500 to win Super Bowl XLIV at Bookmaker.

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Offense – Quarterback Shaun Hill has played pretty well for the Niners when he has been given the opportunity, compiling a 7-3 record as a starter the last two seasons. Let’s spin it this way. During that same time frame, the team is only 5-17 in games where Hill did not start. 2005 No. 1 overall draft pick Alex Smith is still around, and will be given a chance to win the job, but Hill looks to be the guy. Frank Gore has been one of the best backs in the NFL over the last three seasons. He can run outside and in and also has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Singletary plans on running Gore until his legs fall off, much like the team did in 2006 when he rushed for nearly 1,700 yards. Alabama rookie Glen Coffee will be ready to go when Gore needs a breather. I expect a big year from Gore with the return of fullback Moran Norris to pave the way.

49ers fans were ecstatic when they drafted Texas Tech star wideout Michael Crabtree with their tenth pick. The 49er organization has a rich tradition at the wide receiver position with guys like Jerry Rice, John Taylor, and Terrell Owens, and it is hoping that Crabtree can be the next great. But first things first, he has to sign a contract. Crabtree wants big money and has threatened to sit out the entire season and re-enter the draft if he doesn’t get it. It would be nice to have him on board to learn from an experienced, class-act vet like Isaac Bruce. Since basically getting called out by the 49er head man, tight end Vernon Wells has emerged as one of Singletary’s favorites because of the toughness he has shown. I’m expecting a breakout season from the 2006 No. 6 overall pick.

Defense – Defensive end Justin Smith earned his big contract after a strong 2008 in which he was voted the team’s MVP. He will star again with Aubrayo Franklin and Isaac Sopoaga lining up alongside him at the nose and left end. Patrick Willis is one of the premier linebackers in the NFL and he continues to get better. He led the team with 141 tackles last season. Takeo Spikes enjoyed a strong season while playing beside Willis, finishing second on the team in tackles and also picking off three passes. Parys Haralson was a solid pass rusher from the outside backer spot with eight sacks. Singletary will give Manny Lawson every opportunity to be the rusher on the other side. The 49er head man wants to put more pressure on the QB to give his secondary the opportunity to make more big plays. Safety Michael Lewis, with over 100 tackles each of the past two seasons, is great in run support, and so far cornerback Nate Clements is earning his pay check.

Prediction: 2nd NFC West - Get the division break down in my NFC West predictions. The 49ers appeared to buy into Singletary and his no-nonsense approach last season and success was the result. Now I expect them to end a run of six straight losing seasons as they challenge the Arizona Cardinals in the West. The 49ers are listed at +335 to win the NFC West.

You can count on Jimmy Boyd’s expert football picks to bring home the bacon for you this season!

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