San Francisco 49ers: Should they have worst odds in NFC West?

The Las Vegas odds have been released for the upcoming NFL season, and they’ve fallen along with the majority in projecting that the San Francisco 49ers are going to have a tough year. Gone are the days of Super Bowl contender and it’s been slapped with the title of “worst team in the NFC West.” Should they really be given the longest odds, or is it an overreaction to the eventful offseason?

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According to the Bovada sportsbook, which gave out odds for every team’s chances to win their division, conference, and Super Bowl, planted the 49ers with incredibly long odds. First, let’s look at the Super Bowl chances. San Francisco has a 40-to-1 shot to win it all.

The teams with the same odds are: the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, and division rival St. Louis Rams. Yes, they’re in the same category with three of the NFC South teams, a division that collectively went 22-41-1 and nobody finished at .500 or better.

For those that may not understand betting terms, “40-to-1” means that if somebody placed $10 on the 49ers and the team somehow came through with the miracle, the bettor would win $400 plus the original $10 they put down. Would Vegas really give away $400 if they thought the 49ers had a chance?

They have the same odds as the Rams also in winning the NFC (20-to-1). Despite having the same chances in winning the Super Bowl and the conference, it doesn’t stay equal in division winner. Vegas’ order of finish in the division is: the Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, Rams, and 49ers.

It’s not really a surprise to see the 49ers as longshots to be successful in 2015. The obvious reasons are there: new coaches, established running back leader exits, and the defense has lost depth and leadership in multiple positions. This new team will have to learn under a division that remains incredibly tough.

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) reacts after a touchdown against the New England Patriots in the third quarter in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks will remain hungry after having the potential to create the beginning of a dynasty.

They began last season’s playoffs looking vulnerable and needed the Green Bay Packers to provide the ultimate choke in the NFC Championship, but they’re still set up to win it all for another season until the future of Russell Wilson has to be addressed at the end of the year.

Both the Cardinals and Rams are set up for great success if they have a reliable quarterback under center. Both teams suffered injuries to their main guy last season, but were still able to win 17 games combined.

Arizona made the playoffs, but were down to their third-string QB, Ryan Lindley, and recorded just 78 yards of total offense against the Panthers.

Carson Palmer will be back under center ready to lead the team, and St. Louis could begin the Nick Foles era after trading away Sam Bradford.

Looking at the quarterback position, it’s hard to understand why the 49ers are picked to finish last. Colin Kaepernick’s only direction to go is up after a horrible 2014 campaign where he looked lost in the changing offensive schemes.

We’ve seen his potential, and at his best he’s better than every quarterback in the division. We don’t exactly know what’s ahead for the Rams and Foles, how long Palmer will last with the Cardinals, or how Wilson will deal with the cloud of a contract extension hanging over the Seahawks.

However, the reason why the 49ers are projected to finish last, and should be, is because of defense. San Francisco has so many different components on that side of the ball that it’s going to be a surprise if they can come out with the same reliance and consistency from previous seasons. Not only have the players changed, but don’t forget that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has left the building as well.

Everybody else? No one gave up more than 22 points per game (everybody but the Rams ranked in the top 10 in opponent scoring per game). The NFC West has been known for its overall strength in defense for the past few seasons, and the 49ers are the only team experiencing this much turnover after one season.

Next: San Francisco 49ers: How will the ground game look in 2015?

Should San Francisco 49ers have worst odds to win NFC West?

By Brian Spaen | Jul 1, 2015

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