At the beginning of the year, I thought the 49ers would win the NFC West division. Half way through, it doesn’t look like that will happen. But, they are still improved over what they have been from the past couple years.
The move to Alex Smith at quarterback was a fantastic decision. Usually, a first overall pick doesn’t get a second chance with his team if he is a bust to start. But, in this situation, he might be improved because he finally is playing in a system that gives him run support and doesn’t make him carry the entire team; something he isn’t equipped to do.
The defense has been impressive under Mike Singletary, especially in the redzone, allowing the 49ers to be competitive without having to score a lot of points. And, when he needs to make that big play, they do have Michael Crabtree, who seems to be doing a surprisingly good job considering he is a rookie and missed several weeks because of a contract hold out.
I don’t think they are good enough to beat the top teams in the league and they need a game plan for when they are playing from behind but I think this franchise will have a shot at the playoffs later in the season.

Rating: 5