My Michael Crabtree Blog

The San Francisco 49ers 8-8 record in 2009 was their best finish since going 10-6 in 2002. It was the second straight season that the 49ers finished second in the NFC West, and they appear to have their best shot to win the division in years with the Arizona Cardinals losing star quarterback Kurt Warner to retirement. Still this team has to perform before they simply get the division handed over to them. Below is my 2010 San Francisco 49ers preview, plus my prediction on where they finish the season in the NFC West.

Offense:

Just how good the 49ers will be in 2010 will depend on the play of quarterback Alex Smith, who looks to finally live up to his potential after being drafted No.1 overall back in 2005. Smith played well at times in 2009, but still has plenty of room for improvements. The 49ers added another former No.1 overall pick in David Carr, who will step in as the lead backup to Smith.

One thing that has to make you think Smith will have a better season is the big improvements the 49ers made up front on the offensive line. The 49ers had two first round picks and used them on tackle Anthony Davis and guard Mike Iupati. Davis will step in right away at right tackle, while Iupati will join forces with left tackle Joe Staley at left guard. With the new additions look for 2009 right tackle Adam Snyder to battle Chilo Rachal for the starting right guard spot. This unit figures to make drastic improvements this season.

Look out for the 49ers running game this season, as the improved offensive line should pave plenty of big holes for running back Frank Gore, who had one of his best seasons of his career in 2009 with 1,120 yards and 10 touchdowns. Gore has been a workhorse for this offense in his five years with the team, but the plan is to spell Gore more in 2010 and allow second year back Glen Coffee and rookie Anthony Dixon to take over some of his carries.

The 49ers might have had to wait a little while to see what they got in 2009 first round pick Michael Crabtree, but they have to be excited that this guy is in a 49ers uniform for some time to come. Crabtree looked very impressive in 11 starts last year grabbing 48 passes for 625 yards and two scores. I look for Crabtree to have a monster second season, and will soon be grouped with the other elite receivers in this league. The 49ers also have a solid No.2 receiver in Josh Morgan and one of the league's top tight ends in Vernon Davis, who led the team with 13 touchdown receptions in 2009.

Defense:

The 49ers were one of the top rush defenses in the NFL last season, and that doesn't figure to change in 2010, as all three defensive lineman return. Aubrayo Franklin has been a pleasant find at nose tackle, and his solid play forced the team to use the franchise tag on him. Defensive end Justin Smith has a motor that never seems to stop and fellow defensive end Isaac Sopoaga has been a reliable starter playing in 79 of the teams last 80 games.

Another reason the 49ers have been so good against the run, is All Pro middle linebacker Patrick Willis, who rarely lets a runner get by him. Takeo Spikes is back to play alongside Willis in the middle, and has surprisingly played well despite the fact he is getting up there in age. Parys Haralson and Manny Lawson are back on the outside, and the team is hoping to get a much better season of Haralson in 2010.

The 49ers were 21st in the league against the pass in 2009, but a lot of that had to do with the fact that star corner Nate Clements started just six games. Clements is back and healthy for the 2010 season and will once again team up with Shawntae Spencer. The 49ers bring back 2009 starting safeties Michael Lewis and Dashon Goldson, but used their second round pick on USC safety Taylor Mays, and it won't be long before he finds himself making big plays for this defense.

Prediction - 1st NFC West: I think the 49ers could win the West going just 9-7, but I think they end up finishing the season right around 10-6. The key will be making sure they at least win one of two against the Cardinals and avoid any upsets against the Seahawks and Rams.

For a complete look at the upcoming season, check out our 2010 NFL predictions. If you plan on betting the NFL this season, than you want to make sure you have the best NFL odds for every game, and that is exactly what we provide at Betfirms.