San Francisco 49ers 2018-19 - NFL Season Preview & Future Odds Predictions

Last season the San Francisco 49ers were 6-10. On the surface that appears to be substandard season, but the 49ers were 5-0 in their last five games under the leadership of new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. That momentum has brought optimism to the organization as the team prepares for the 2018 regular season. With Garoppolo under center the 49ers scored an average of 28.8 points per game. The team averaged just 17.0 points per games during the first 11 games of the season.

Garoppolo is the ideal fit for the 49ers offense under head coach Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers new signal caller has a quick release, pinpoint accuracy and talent reading defenses. Great things are expected from the 49ers offense this season.

Marquise Goodwin returns at wide receiver after developing great chemistry with Garoppolo in the last five games of the season. Pierre Garcon sat out the last eight games of last season, but has recovered from a neck injury and is expected to start at wide receiver opposite Goodwin. Trent Taylor will be the slot receiver in the three-receiver set. Both Garret Celek and George Kittle will see action at tight end. Running back Carlos Hyde is gone, but Jerick McKinnon was signed as a free agent from the Vikings, but that could be the weak link of the offense. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk returns after a Pro-Bowl season.

The 49ers offensive line returns Joe Staley at left tackle, but the remainder of the line is written in stone. Center Weston Richburg was signed as a free agent. No. 9 pick overall Mike McGlinchey will likely be the starter at right tackle, with Joshua Garnett starting at right guard and Laken Tomlinson at left guard.

The 49ers defense improved in 2017 compared to 2016 but needs much more improvement if the team wants to become a legitimate playoff contender. The rushing defense fared better than the passing defense.

The 49ers brought in Richard Sherman at cornerback to help with stopping the pass but more importantly for his experience and leadership. It is not certain when he will be ready to play due to a pair of Achilles tendon surgeries. Jimmie Ward will likely start at corner if Sherman cannot and Ahkello Witherspoon returns after a strong 2017 rookie season.

At linebacker49ers Reuben Foster will miss the first two games, but should help thereafter. Brock Coyle was a starter in 10 games a season ago and will likely be in the middle with Foster out to start the season. Fred Warner will also see time there. On the outside is Malcolm Smith, who is a former Seahawk and should start after sitting out last season with a torn pectoral.

For 49ers the defensive line features DeForest Buckner, Solomon Thomas and Arik Armstead are expected to play large roles. All three have been slowed by injuries and have yet to play up to their full potential.