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Disclaimer: I am not a professional or a psychic. These predictions are probably wrong and your guess is as good as mine unless it's something crazy.
2014 Record: 8-8
Retirements: Chris Borland, Justin Smith, Anthony Davis, Patrick Willis
Losses: Frank Gore, Dan Skuta, Michael Crabtree, Mike Iupati, Chris Culliver, Perrish Cox,
Cuts: Stevie Johnson, Aldon Smith,
Trades: Andy Lee to the Browns for a 7th round pick.
Signings: Torrey Smith, Reggie Bush, Darnell Dockett, Jerome Simpson, Erik Pears, Phillip Wheeler, Shareece Wright
Draft Class: Arik Armstead, Jaquiski Tartt, Eli Harold, Blake Bell, Mike Davis, DeAndre Smelter, Bradley Pinion, Ian Silberman, Trenton Brown, Rory Anderson
Major Questions:
Can the 49ers succeed on the ground without Frank Gore?
Can the 49ers offensive line succeed?
Who will replace all the defenders the 49ers lost?
Oh how the mighty have fallen. Jim Harbaugh is gone and with him are many of the stars that were on the 49ers roster. For one reason or another, Patrick Willis, Frank Gore, Mike Iupati, Justin Smith, Chris Borland, Aldon Smith, and multiple other players won't be on the 49ers roster in 2015.
The 49ers have veterans Joe Staley and Alex Boone returning on their offensive line, but the team still has questions at left guard, center, and right tackle. The 49ers also have questions at running back, as Frank Gore has left for Indianapolis, Carlos Hyde has not proven he can handle the starting load and Reggie Bush has proven that he is incapable of handling it.
The 49ers have talent at wide receiver. There's Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, Quinton Patton, Bruce Ellington, Jerome Simpson, and DeAndre Smelter. The issue is that Boldin is nearing the end at age 35 and the duo of Ellington and Patton have yet to prove that they can be consistent weapons in the passing game. Vernon Davis is also 31 and coming off of an injury marred season that was the worst of his career.
The 49ers have just as many questions on the defensive side of the ball as they do on the offensive side. Patrick Willis and Chris Borland have retired, leaving NaVorro Bowman, who missed all of 2014, and reserve player Michael Wilhoite to fill the hole.
The 49ers defensive line has lost Justin Smith and they don't have anyone who is a proven starter outside of 34 year old Darnell Dockett. The 49ers also released Aldon Smith and they need one of their young outside linebackers to step up plus Ahmad Brooks to return to health.
The 49ers lost both of their starting corners this offseason and their replacements are either inexperienced corners or reserve corners or Shareece Wright, who has struggled throughout his career. The 49ers shining spot in the secondary has been safety Antoine Bethea.
The 49ers lost a lot of good players this offseason and things don't look easy for them, especially as they have to play the AFC North and NFC North, as well as their own division.
Predictions:
Colin Kaepernick throws for 2,900 yards, 15 Touchdowns, and 17 Interceptions.
Anquan Boldin fails to have 1,000 yards receiving and retires after the season.
Torrey Smith has the worst season of his career.
The 49ers fail to have a 1,000 yard rusher for the first time since 2010.
The 49ers defense is one of the worst in the league.
Best Case Scenario: The 49ers young stars lead this team to be a team that picks in the top 15 instead of the top 5.
Worst Case Scenario: The team completely collapses and has to start over again.
Wins: St. Louis Rams, Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals
Losses: St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks (Twice), Arizona Cardinals (Twice), Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens
Record: 3-13
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