.500 record less likely than a gold rush in San Francisco this season

By Adam Sweeney  |   Thursday, October 09, 2008  |  Comments( 1 )

San Francisco 49ers
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Welcome to the NFC West, home of the hype and hyperbole. The past few seasons' sexy pick for the playoffs was coming in the form of the Arizona Cardinals; in addition, the 49ers have been on the receiving end of some of that hype. How many of those predictions have come to fruition? Zero. At this point, I have as many playoff appearances in the last five years as both squads. That's never a good thing for a 49ers team that finds its head coach, Mike Nolan, on the hot seat. Forget the playoffs -- the question is: Will the Niners be able to go 8-8 this season? A study of the upcoming schedule says no.

Commentary: The 49ers are 2-3 as a vicious Philadelphia team heads into San Francisco. The Eagles will most likely give J.T. O' Sullivan and Frank Gore trouble. Only Clinton Portis has gained over 100 yards rushing against the Eagles all season, and that largely was thanks to a solid offensive line. San Francisco's line should be nicknamed "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!" So, barring a collapse, it's realistic to assume San Francisco will drop 2-4. After that, the Niners still face the Giants (4-0), Cowboys (4-1), Jets (2-2), Bills (4-1), Redskins (4-1) and a resurgent Dolphins squad (2-2). The only teams San Francisco probably has a chance against are the Seahawks, whom it's already beaten once, and Rams. A 5-11 season may be the best this team can realistically expect.

Fan Pulse: Defenders of 49ers Nation are convinced that Nolan is clueless: http://forums.49ers.com/messageboard/showthread.php?t=59500.

Fantasy Football Commentary: Playing from behind can be a blessing for some fantasy players. Take wide receiver Isaac Bruce, for example. He won't rack up many yards, but he gets touchdowns and that's what counts. If he's still on the waiver wire, grab him. Bruce is a solid third WR.

Injury Watch: Strong safety Michael Lewis should be available against Philly after re-aggravating an elbow injury.
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About Adam Sweeney

Adam Sweeney spent 4 years as an opinions and arts & entertainment columnist with the Lone Star Lutheran, also working with Sports Illustrated.com. Along with his work on Realfootball 365 he currently is a contributor for Film School Rejects, SLAM Online, Talkhoops.net, and C-Heads Magazine.
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