There isn't nearly as much hype surrounding the San Francisco 49ers as there was during the last offseason. A four-win season amid lofty expectations will do that. Still, many know that the 49ers' 2018 campaign could have been very different had quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo not been lost for the season. And the team has improved in areas this offseason, including finally addressing its pass rushing woes.
The insertion of Garoppolo back into the lineup could be significant for the 49ers. The rehabbing quarterback, who suffered a torn ACL in late September, is expected to be the Week 1 starter.
NFL.com columnist Adam Schein recently identified the 12 teams which are likely to appear in the playoffs during the upcoming season. He also identified two bubble teams for each conference. Those teams could make a push for the postseason, as well.
The annual ranking is done as a nod to the NCAA tournament's Sweet 16. The 49ers, which Schein ranked No. 7 in NFC, were among the two bubble teams in the conference. The Seattle Seahawks (No. 8) were the other.
Schein wrote the following about San Francisco:
"San Fran made some really smart signings, starting with RB Tevin Coleman and DE Dee Ford. These are big-time talent upgrades. Coleman played for Kyle Shanahan in Atlanta and will fit in perfectly alongside a healthy Jerick McKinnon. I also liked the inking of CB Jason Verrett on a one-year, $3.6 million deal -- that's a low-risk, high-reward move, with a really talented player who's dominant when his body isn't failing him. Now, LB Kwon Alexander's four-year, $54 million deal is certainly pricey, but assuming his ACL recovery continues as planned, he's another major talent upgrade at a position of need. And of course, Jimmy G will be back under center after having his 2018 season ruined by an ACL injury of his own. Consider San Francisco the Oregon basketball of the NFL -- Kyle Shanahan is a super coach who will get this team to overachieve."
The NFC teams ranked No. 1 through 6 are (in order) the Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Green Bay Packers.
H/t to Kirk Larrabee of 24/7 Sports for the find.
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