At the onset of the 2018 season, the 49ers were a trendy NFL betting futures pick. San Francisco’s favorite status was based on a few meaningless late-season games in 2017. Indeed, the Niners played well and impressed, but it was long after they were eliminated from playoff contention. Thus, San Francisco opened the 2019 season as an afterthought. NFC West projections had the Seahawks and Rams picked a far head of the 49ers. Los Angeles was labeled as the team of the future winning the 2018 NFC Title. Gamblers were hard to forgive underachieving SFO.
Super Bowl LIV: Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers
| Date and Time: | Sunday, February 2, 2020, 6:30 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida |
| Chiefs vs. 49ers TV Coverage: | FOX |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49ers | +1 (-105) | 54½ (-110) | EV |  |
| Chiefs | -1 (-115) | 54½ (-110) | -120 | |
| ||||
Amazing What Good Health Can Achieve
Often lost in the analysis of the 2018 49ers was their massive injury list. Namely starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo headlined what resembled a MASH unit. A multitude of top starters that were out in 2018 returned healthily and refreshed for 2019. San Francisco wasted no time laying down the gauntlet with eight straight wins to start the year. Additionally, five of those wins were online betting payouts. Come season’s end the 49ers finished 13-3 straight up and 9-6-1 vs. the odds with 8-7-1 over the total. San Francisco earned NFC top seed as West Division champions.
The Formula for San Francisco’s Success
Fans of old school football will easily find a home with San Francisco. Specifically, the 49ers ranked second in the NFL for rushing as well as for total defense. Both of San Francisco’s top two rushers averaged over 5.0 yards per carry. Raheem Mostert gained 772 yards on the season with 5.6 yards per carry and 8 touchdowns to lead. While Matt Breida added 623 yards with 5.1 yards per carry and one TD. Mostert was the hero of the 49ers 37-20 NFC Championship Game win over Green Bay. To illuminate Mostert ran for 220 yards and four touchdowns.
Defensive Prowess
To begin with, middle linebacker Fred Warner has emerged as one of the NFL’s best after two seasons. Warner led San Francisco with 118 tackles in the regular season. Further, he posted three sacks, an interception, a TD, and defended nine passes. In the same way cornerback, Richard Sherman led with 11 passes defended, three picks and a score. Pressure on the opposing quarterback is essential for San Francisco’s success. To show defensive end Arik Armstead led with 10 sacks with Nick Bosa totaling nine.
Key Coaches
Increasingly 49ers third-year head coach Kyle Shanahan is gaining respect. When he arrived, the 49ers were one of the least appealing franchises in the NFL. Shanahan has used his experience as a successful offensive coordinator to build a balanced attack. In like manner, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has become an NFL betting asset.
Jimmy Garoppolo
Consider that Bill Belichick dreamed of having Jimmy Garoppolo replace Tom Brady as the quarterback of the 49ers. No greater endorsement about one’s ability is possible. Garoppolo had a career season with a 102.0 passer rating and a 27/13 touchdown to interception ratio. Most important of all he has validated himself as NFC champion QB!