... and that means it’s time to speculate on how teams will do before ever playing a down.

The San Francisco 49ers finished last year with an 8-8 record and a second-place finish in the NFC West Division. This year, I predict they will improve on that record and win the division handily.

Of course, I assume that Alex Smith builds on the success he had late last season and that the team drafts some help at cornerback, safety, and the offensive line.

Other reasons I think this will happen are that last year San Francisco swept the Cardinals and had a 6-2 division record. They also play the AFC West this season, and—outside of the San Diego Chargers&m...

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