49ers betting preview suggests Rams and Seahawks could overtake San Francisco for playoffs

Technology is fun. I wrote this article once already, and something happened where it disappeared altogether. I really don’t know what the issue is or was, but maybe the second time I dissect the San Francisco 49ers' upcoming season will be even more exciting than the first time.

This was a team that I struggled to bet on or against last season. When I was betting they would lose, they came out with some miracle game. When I bet they would win, they looked like they had never played football before. I can still admit that the squad was impressive despite navigating a wide range of injuries. They were 12-5 for the season and got a 5-3 record from their backup quarterback, Mac Jones. Every loss they took in the regular season was against a postseason team, with the exception of Tampa Bay. They did win the first game of the postseason, taking out the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles. Then disaster struck against the Seahawks. They gave up a game-opening kickoff return for a touchdown. Then turned the ball over on downs, leading to a Seattle field goal. A fumble and another Seattle touchdown put them down 17-0 after the first quarter. The second half was even worse in many ways. They turned the ball over on downs, then had an interception, turnover on downs, fumble, punt, and then ran three meaningless plays to end the game.

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The team that deals with many injuries at many positions took a shot with someone uber talented, but also coming off of an injury-marred season. Mike Evans, who played only eight games last season, is now their primary receiver. If he is healthy, which he has been most of his career, he will be a difference-maker. They also added Christian Kirk, providing quarterback Brock Purdy with some solid options. It seems like they assumed offense was the priority, considering they also drafted a wide receiver in the second round. Their main addition on defense was Osa Odighizuwa; if he can replicate his season from last year, this should be an even tougher defense.

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The biggest issue I have with the 49ers is that they don’t ever seem to be healthy. There is a ton of talent on this roster, but if you look at the names on paper and those who are actually available, there is a large gap. Christian McCaffrey is one of the best backs in the league, but he misses games fairly regularly. Brock Purdy consistently misses games. Nick Bosa and Fred Warner both played fewer than 10 games last season. George Kittle is on the PUP list to start the year. Ricky Pearsall has some issues with his knee again as well. Healthy, they are elite, but that’s going to be a major question mark for this team all season.

Their head coach, Kyle Shanahan, has been great at getting the most out of his team regardless of who is on the field. However, I have some concerns that as these players age, they may not be able to go as far as long. No team will be healthy the whole season, but some of these guys are more consistently off the field than they are on the field. At 9.5 games, I don’t love taking the over – even though I think it hits, but you’re playing it at -145 or higher. Instead, I think we bet that there are going to be pieces missing and the Rams and Seahawks will still be better. I’ll take San Francisco to miss the playoffs at +122 if I had to take anything. Most likely I’ll just stay away.

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