Naming the San Francisco 49ers as a team that could surprise is 2018 isn't a very bold statement. After all, with new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo at the helm of the offense, the 1-10 49ers went undefeated in December, finished the season with five-straight wins, and knocked off three playoff teams along the way.
The 49ers won't sneak up on anyone in 2018. Teams know how good Garoppolo can be and won't take the squad lightly. San Francisco has become one of the hot teams to pick this offseason that might be vastly improved over last season.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports named four NFL teams he believes "could be movers and shakers in the upcoming season." Unsurprisingly, the 49ers were part of the list, which also includes the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Chargers are often on these types of lists each year while the Buccaneers were the media darlings last offseason.
"I know, I'm really going out on a limb here," La Canfora said of the 49ers. "They became media darlings with the way they finished the season and rallied behind their new quarterback. But that was no fluke, and Jimmy Garoppolo is just getting started.
"There is a very palpable feeling around this team that it is turning the corner and out of the dark ages. Kyle Shanahan knows who and what fits his system. Now in his second year as a head coach and with his sea legs under him, I expect to see immediate dividends from Jerick McKinnon, and the reshaped offensive line should be more adept at that outside zone running scheme. They are deeper at receiver, and should Rueben Foster not be in legal trouble I really like their chances of duplicating what the Rams did a year ago and coming from the basement to win the NFC West."
H/T to Patrick Tulini for the find.