San Francisco 49ers 2010 NFL Preview, Schedule, Odds, and Predictions: Seeing Jerry Rice inducted into the Hall of Fame brings back the glory days of the 49ers, Bill Walsh, and all his disciples running the “west coast” offence. Back then nothing but a Super Bowl Victory was a successful season. Now the 49ers are struggling to regain the mojo that once made them great, seven straight seasons missing the playoffs, but a new sheriff is in town named head football coach Mike Singletary. Once an intimidating linebacker in the middle, his cold stare now paces the sideline. Is it time that the 49ers return to supremacy? Vegas odds makers have the San Francisco 49ers as +1900 odds to win the 2011 Super Bowl.
Coach Singletary has raised the bar but the team has not caught up yet. Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky runs a traditional 3-4 scheme and the 49ers were the only opponent to hold Peyton Manning without a touchdown pass (when Manning played the entire game) last season also sacking him three times. Offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye looks to do a better job this season establishing a run pass balance. He is looking to quarterback Alex Smith to live up to his pre-draft potential and excel as a passer and team leader. The odds makers at JustBet have the San Francisco 49ers listed at +1000 odds to win the 2010 NFC Championship.
Offensively quarterback Alex Smith showed some promise last season as he threw 18 touchdown passes over the last 11 games and excelled out of the shotgun which they should use more proficiently this year. Running back Frank Gore out of Miami had his fourth consecutive 1000 yard rushing season a franchise first for the Niner’s. Michael Crabtree’s first full season should produce th e first 1000 yard receiver since TO in 2003. San Francisco used their 1 and 2 picks on offensive lineman to improve their physicality and protect Smith. The Vegas odds makers have the San Francisco 49ers listed at -220 odds to win the 2010 NFC West.
Defensively nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin is underrated, and Ricky Jean Francois, a seventh-round draft pick, will help a line that was a NFL 3rd best against the run last year. The Vikings’ Adrian Peterson says of linebacker Willis: “He’s a freak. He’s 245 and runs a 4.3. He’s a perfect prototype for a linebacker.” Free safety Dashon Goldson was sensational last year and will bring it to the secondary again in 2010. The odds makers at BetPhoenix have the San Francisco 49ers middle number listed at over/under 9 wins for the 2010 NFL regular season.
Last year the 49ers went 5–1 against the NFC West, and for my 2010 NFL Predictions I have them with a 10-6 record this year breaking the playoff drought. Unfortunately for them the run will be short as they are not nearly as good as several of the elite NFC teams.
2010 San Francisco 49ers Preseason Schedule
WK DATE OPPONENT
1 Sun, Aug 15 @ Indianapolis 1:00 PM
2 Sun, Aug 22 vs Minnesota 8:00 PM NBC
3 Sat, Aug 28 @ Oakland 9:00 PM
4 Thu, Sep 2 vs San Diego 10:00 PM
2010 San Francisco 49ers Regular Season Schedule
WK DATE OPPONENT
1 Sun, Sep 12 @ Seattle 4:15 PM FOX
2 Mon, Sep 20 vs New Orleans 8:30 PM ESPN
3 Sun, Sep 26 @ Kansas City 1:00 PM FOX
4 Sun, Oct 3 @ Atlanta 1:00 PM FOX
5 Sun, Oct 10 vs Philadelphia 8:20 PM NBC
6 Sun, Oct 17 vs Oakland 4:05 PM CBS
7 Sun, Oct 24 @ Carolina 1:00 PM FOX
8 Sun, Oct 31 vs Denver 1:00 PM CBS
9 BYE WEEK
10 Sun, Nov 14 vs St. Louis 4:15 PM FOX
11 Sun, Nov 21 vs Tampa Bay 4:05 PM FOX
12 Mon, Nov 29 @ Arizona 8:30 PM ESPN
13 Sun, Dec 5 @ Green Bay 1:00 PM FOX
14 Sun, Dec 12 vs Seattle 4:05 PM FOX
15 Thu, Dec 16 @ San Diego 8:20 PM NFL
16 Sun, Dec 26 @ St. Louis 1:00 PM FOX
17 Sun, Jan 2 vs Arizona 4:15 PM FOX