Last season San Francisco was one of the biggest disappointments in professional football. Expectations were high for the team after they concluded the 2006 season by winning two of their last three games. The 49ers enter this season without a lot of hype, but Head Coach Mike Nolan is no doubt feeling the pressure to produce a winner. NFL Betting odds at SBGglobal.com are skeptical about Nolan's chances as the franchise's win total is set at 6.5 with the under a -110.

It looked like the 49er offense had turned the corner in the second half of the 2006 season under the direction of Norv Turner. However, last year provided ample evidence that they had not. With Turner moving on to coach the Chargers, San Francisco averaged a league worst 13.7 points per game while turning out just 237.4 yards per game.

The 49ers brought in mad scientist coordinator Mike Martz in the off season to hopefully resurrect a dead offense. While quarterback Alex Smith is still somewhat of an unknown, the club is optimistic that Martz can make him a productive field general. However, Smith will have to return healthy from shoulder surgery to earn his job back.

Martz will have some weapons to work with despite the team's poor production last year. Frank Gore is a top 10 back when healthy and the team added receivers Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson via free agency. Fifth year veteran Arnaz Battle adds depth to the receiving corps as well. There is also tight end Vernon Davis who has yet to fulfill his loads of potential. That said, the o-line must make a vast improvement for the team to make real strides on offense. Last year the Niners gave up a ridiculous 55 sacks, and -- as Alex Smith can attest -- it is hard to complete passes while laying on the ground.

Statistically, the 49er defense was well below average last season. They ranked 25th in yards per game allowed at 346.1 and 20th in points per game allowed at 22.8. The team needed to and did make some off season moves to help change last year's production or lack thereof.

The club signed work horse defensive end Justin Smith and also brought in linebacker Dontarrious Thomas from Minnesota and safety Allen Rossum from Pittsburgh. These players will join linebacker Patrick Willis and cornerback Nate Clements to form the makings of a solid defensive core. Mike Nolan will be without excuse if this group of players does not give the club some amount of defensive prowess.

NFL Betting odds at SBGglobal.com list the 49ers at +5000 odds to win the Super Bowl, +2200 odds to win the NFC, and +465 odds to win the wide open NFC West.

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