Let’s be clear – those who see the 49ers breezing to another NFC Championship next year, or perhaps even further, are overlooking the fact that the team doesn’t have a set answer about the quarterback position. Brock Purdy did put the team on his back, making an historic run as a third-string signal-caller. However, the elbow injury that rendered him basically unable to throw the ball against Philadelphia in the NFC Championship and required surgery that kept him from throwing until last week. He was able to hit his marks in early drills, but it’s still up in the air whether he will be able to start Week 1. Trey Lance is the other option, but he went down in Week 1 last season with a foot injury. With this kind of rust at the quarterback position, this could be a more problematic season than 49ers fans might expect, even with the rest of the division in a state of flux. Let’s look at their season as you think about NFL betting options for the 2023 NFL campaign.
NFL Betting News: San Francisco 49ers 2023 Season Analysis
The draft and free agency period paid off nicely for the 49ers, particularly at defensive tackle. Last season, that group only generated a total of 59 pressures, the fourth-lowest number in the NFL. Arik Armstead led the team’s defensive tackles with 14 pressures – despite missing eight games with ankle and foot issues. Javon Hargrave (53 pressures, nine sacks and a 14.1% pressure rate). That pressure rate was the best in in the NFL for defensive tackles with 500 or more pass rushes through the last two seasons, joined the team via free agency.
The 49ers play the NFC East and the AFC North teams in 2023. Based on their NFC West title last year, they also play Minnesota and Tampa Bay, who won the NFC North and South. They play the Jacksonville Jaguars, the AFC South winners, as well.
I see the 49ers going 3-1 against the NFC East, with the lone setback coming against Philadelphia. The 49ers controlled the Cowboys in the divisional playoff, and both the Giants and the Commanders are working their way through rebuilds, although the Giants are closer to a breakthrough than Washington. Philadelphia got even stronger in the off-season, so they should be able to stop the 49ers again.
Against the AFC North, I see the 49ers going 2-2. All four teams have strong defenses, and they also have high-upside quarterbacks. Cincinnati has been in two straight AFC Championships, Baltimore has a quarterback with a chip on his shoulder, and Cleveland has a new defensive coordinator who finally might be able to leverage the talent on his roster. Pittsburgh has a stout defense, a confident second-year quarterback in Kenny Pickett, and an up-and-coming tailback in Najee Harris.
In the division, I see the 49ers going 5-1. I think they sweep the Cardinals and the Seahawks and split with the Rams. Arizona released DeAndre Hopkins, taking a huge hit in their wide receiving quality, The Rams have struggled against the 49ers in the regular season in recent years and are still struggling to get back to contender status in the wake of their Super Bowl win two seasons ago. The Seahawks have Geno Smith signed to an extension and have a solid running game. They also improved their secondary.
Against their opponents who won divisions, I see the 49ers beating Minnesota and Tampa Bay but losing to Jacksonville. Kirk Cousins has a way of melting down against elite opposition, and the Buccaneers are in an odd form of rebuilding that has brought in Baker Mayfield at quarterback. Jacksonville is the toughest of these three opponents, with Trevor Lawrence booming in confidence after advancing to the divisional round last year. So I see the 49ers finishing 12-5 and winning their division… if Purdy is back and healthy. If he’s not, all bets (no pun intended) are off.
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