Like the National League West, this division is one of the weakest in the league. Plus, I think after last year's debacle, the Niners are somewhat flying under the radar. Nobody expects much from them. With that said, they have a brutal first half schedule. There's no way they will be as bad as they were last year but if this team is .500 with this schedule, that would be a solid year IMO. I'm not totally sold on their defense either. Their front line hasn't proven anything. Franklin and Sopoaga are average at best. Smith is good but not a true pass rusher. Their outside LB are not great pass rushers, which makes no sense at all. If you're going to play a 3-4, you better have great pass rushing backers. Even removing how much time the D were on the field last year, they were still in the lower half of the league statistically. If they can avg 3-4 sacks per game and get consistent pressure on the QB, that will REALLY help them climb the ladder. That's a couple of big "ifs" though. Their offense? If they stay healthy, I guarantee they'll improve on last year, but how much? Time will tell. Let's check back at the end of October ;-)