San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers always seem to be on the so close to being able to turn things around and make a playoff run. Could 2009 be the year that the Niners finally put it together and make a playoff appearance.

The 49ers made some moves in free agency by adding Jamel White, Dre' Bly, Demetric Evans and Brandon Jones. They also re-signed Takeo Spikes. However, the biggest splash the Niners made this off-season was snatching Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree with the tenth overall pick in the draft.

Odds makers are giving San Francisco 3/1 odds to come out of the NFC West as Division Champions. They are also calling the Niners about a 35/1 shot to win it all in Super Bowl XLIV.

Super Bowl dreams for the 49ers maybe a little bit of a stretch for the 2009 season, but they feel that they are
on the cusp of something special in the City by the Bay.

The 49ers couldn't believe that the prospect they had at the top of their draft board was still available to them at pick No. 10. The Niners hope that Crabtree can add a new big-play threat to their offense along with running back Frank Gore. However, under center, they need either Shaun Hill or Alex Smith to step up and take the reigns at quarterback.

If either Hill or Smith can take control of the 49ers offense and be productive, San Fran could be a nice sleeper pick to challenge for an NFC West division crown.

Bottom line is; the West is wide open. If the Arizona Cardinals play like they did in the playoffs, they should win it in a walk, however if they stumble, the Seahawks will be much better with Matt Hasselbeck back in the line-up and the Niners have to be considered if they play to their potential.