The San Francisco 49ers had one of the most potent defenses in the NFL in 2011 and with offensive additions over the summer, they are only expected to get better in 2012. It is tough to duplicate or improve on a 13-3 season, but their defensive core remains intact, giving the Niners the best team in the NFC West.
The 49ers remain with linebacker Patrick Willis and their leading tackler in 2011 NaVorro Bowman who had 111. Willis led the team with four forced fumbles.
Also returning is Justin Smith, Aldon Smith and Racy McDonald who combined for 27 sacks. Aldon Smith had 14 of those 27 sacks.
On the outside their defense has Carlos Rogers, Dashon Goldson and Tarell Brown who all combined for 16 of the team's 23 interceptions in 2011.
The more interesting aspect of the Niners' team is their offense. They made three additions that should charge Alex Smith and make the team a complete scoring force.
The biggest question mark on offense is Randy Moss. Will he show effort and does he still possess the skills to mae a difference out on the field? If the answer is "yes," then the 49ers will completely create havoc.
They added Mario Manningham from the New York Giants. The same Manningham who caught a big touchdown agains the 49ers in the NFC Championship game. Manningham could be the third option behind Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis.
Helping Frank Gore out with running back duties is also ex-Giant Brandon Jacobs. He and Gore can form a deadly combination, which can help run an effective play action.
Manningham and Jacobs bring playoff experience and hard nose mentality to San Francisco.
You have to love what the Seattle Seahawks and coach Pete Carroll are doing up north, but there is no way that the 49ers will let anybody take the West from them.
The Seahawks are young and talented, but the 49ers are just a powerful team all around.
They could come in a close second place, followed by the Arizona Cardinals and the St. Louis Rams just do not have what it takes to compete against these three teams.
NFC WEST STANDING -Predictions
1. San Francisco 49ers: 14-2
2. Seattle Seahaws: 8-8
3. Arizona Cardinals: 6-10
4. St. Louis Rams- 5-11
