The 2020 season didn’t quite pan out the way the San Francisco 49ers would’ve wanted. Heading into the 2020 season, the 49ers were one of the top teams expected to win the Super Bowl. This was due to an incredible outing in 2019 that saw them appear in the Super Bowl facing the Chiefs. Unfortunately for them, 2019 ended in disappointment as well, as the Chiefs won the Super Bowl 31-20. However, after their visit, plenty of people believed the 49ers would be the team to beat in the NFC.
2020 had different plans for San Francisco, though, with injuries and Covid-19 ravaging the team. This is what led to a 6-10 record in 2020 and becoming the fourth team in the NFC West. It was a long fall from grace, but the 49ers kept their heads up and endured. This season, San Francisco is back at the top of most sportsbooks. Plenty of oddsmakers believe that aside from the Buccaneers, the 49ers have the best chance to take the conference. Should we expect just a divisional title from the 49ers? Or could the 49ers actually take the conference from Tom Brady and Tampa Bay?
2021 San Francisco 49ers Futures Betting Odds
San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl Champion Odds: +1200
San Francisco 49ers Conference Champion Odds: +650
San Francisco 49ers Win Totals Odds: Over 10 (-125) / Under 10 (-105)
San Francisco 49ers NFC West Champion Odds: +200
The San Francisco 49ers had a 2020 season that mirrored the Dallas Cowboys. Both teams lost significant players on both sides of the ball. Both teams finished at or near the bottom of their division. Most importantly, both teams want the 2021 season to start already. The 49ers are in a great spot and are considered already the second-most likely team to win the NFC in 2021. The NFC is a very competitive conference, with three playoff-ready teams already in the NFC West. San Francisco will have to get past the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, and Arizona Cardinals, but they have faith.
This is the same team that not long ago was in the Super Bowl, and that was before some key additions. Last season, they were poised for another trip until injuries to QB Jimmy Garoppolo saw the offense crumble. Don’t forget that they lost the 2019 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Nick Bosa, as well. The way it looks now is the 49ers have nearly the same odds as the Buccaneers to win the conference. Those same Buccaneers won the Super Bowl in 2020. That shows how highly oddsmakers think the 49ers will finish in 2021.
2021 San Francisco 49ers Offseason Grade: B-
Key Additions: (WR, Marqise Lee), (TE, MyCole Pruitt), (DE, Arden Key)
Key Departures: (WR, Marquise Goodwin), (CB: Briean Boddy-Calhoun)
The additions made in the offseason were mostly for depth aside from wide receiver Marqise Lee. San Francisco, whose only real problem in 2020 was injuries, is all set for 2021. The team averaged 118.1 yards rushing per game, 15th in the NFL. Now, think about that rushing attack with the wide receiver duo of Marquise Lee and Brandon Aiyuk. Opposing defensive backs will have a tough time guarding those two. The great thing about the 49ers is if you slow down the receivers, you have to deal with George Kittle. Kittle and Garoppolo have a great relationship and should work well together in 2021.
The only thing concerning about the 49ers is the defense. They lost a couple of good players on the front seven over the last few years. They should see a resurgence in pass-rush with the return of Nick Bosa. However, we’ll need to wait until the start of the season to find out how strong the defense will be. Perhaps Arden Key could potentially fill a role along the defensive line, allowing Bosa more openings.
San Francisco 49ers 2021 Preview
It’s fair to say we should have high hopes for this team in 2021. Sure, 2019 ended in heartbreak, and 2020 was marred with injuries, but they pushed through. With their starting quarterback returning and their dominating defensive end, the 49ers are in great shape. There might be an uneasy period at the beginning of the season due to their time away from the field. The good news for the 49ers is they’ve got two great games for them to start the season. First, they’ll face the Lions and then the Eagles, two great starter games to get everyone acclimated.
San Francisco 49ers Futures Best Bets
Taking the 49ers to win the NFC West +200 is a great bet to make. You’ll have to remember, though, that it is a very competitive division. Their odds to win the conference are great, but you shouldn’t expect a conference title coming off a year plagued with injuries. Overall the best bet here is to take the 49ers to win the NFC West. A great bet to make on a team destined for a better 2021.
Get our top NFL passing yards props picks for 2021 and top NFL rushing yards props picks for 2021.
