Note: This is a team-by-team look previewing the 2007 season. These are my official thoughts on how I think things will play out.
Last year: 14-2 (AFC West champs)
Best addition: Nate Clements (CB, Bills)
Key personnel loss: Anthony Adams (DT, Bears)
2007 outlook: If anyone doubts how serious San Francisco is about becoming one of the top teams in the league again, just look at what the 49ers have done in the last three years - especially this offseason. The addition of Clements and Michael Lewis significantly upgrade the secondary while the offense also gets a boost from former Seahawks WR Darrell Jackson and hopefully Ashley Lelie.
But the biggest key here will be the maturation of QB Alex Smith and RB Frank Gore. Gore will have to overcome the setback of a broken hand that will force him to miss the entire preseason, but if he can keep close to last year's production, he will be an important piece once again.
Key to success: This team is going no where until Smith can lead them there - but after the large leaps he took last year, this could potentially be the year SF gets back to the playoffs. Smith has the smarts and the athletic ability to succeed - he just needs to make sure he takes advantage of his new weapons.
Against Washington: Washington has had a couple of lopsided wins against SF lately but fortunately for the 49ers, the Skins are not on the team's schedule this season.
Fantasy sleeper: Alex Smith. He is the future of this franchise but Gore and Jackson are both rated as higher fantasy prospects than Smith. And while getting a top flight RB needs to be a top priority, getting a good QB later in the draft is just as essential and Smith may fill that role as quickly as this season. Smith should be a pleasant surprise but make sure you have another proven QB if you are thinking about giving Smith a chance.
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