Gimme 5: 2009 non-playoff teams primed for 2010 postseason

Published: Sep 01, 2010 at 10:40 AM

1. San Francisco 49ers

The Niners were one of the most impressive teams I visited with this summer. The quarterback situation looks resolved, as Alex smith appears ready for the next step in his development. The 49ers were 5-1 in the division last year, finished 3-2 in their last five games and have looked strong all preseason.

The depth is good enough to weather some injuries; there are playmakers on the roster in Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree; and coach Mike Singletary has imposed his philosophy. The rest of the NFC West is up in the air, and if the 49ers get their road record right from last year when they went 2-6, the division title and double-digit wins are there for the taking.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content

news

Daniel Jeremiah 2024 NFL mock draft 4.0: Two trades; 49ers, Chiefs pick WRs to close Round 1

In his fourth and final mock of the 2024 NFL Draft, Daniel Jeremiah projects two teams will trade up for offensive line help. Will there be a surprise in the top five? Check out the full first-round forecast, 1-32.

news

RB Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys met Wednesday about possible return

Running back Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys met Wednesday about a potential return, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported. There is no deal in place, but the parties are in talks.

news

DE Trey Hendrickson requests trade from Bengals; team says it won't move him

Defensive end Trey Hendrickson requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals, although the team told him it won't move him, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Wednesday, per sources.

news

NFL Fantasy Football Podcast: NFL draft preview; Talkin' WRs with Matt Harmon

Join hosts Marcas Grant, Michael F. Florio and LaQuan Jones as they welcome special guest Matt Harmon, football writer and analyst for Yahoo Sports, and creator/owner of Reception Perception.