The San Francisco 49ers added several key pieces to the defense last year, but it didn’t make too much of a difference. Will the moves pay off in 2009? Oddsmakers have made the 49ers an 80/1 long shot to win the 2009 Super Bowl.
Last year the Niners added free agents Nate Clements, Michael Lewis and Tully Banta-Cain to their defense. This year, they signed big name free agent defensive end Justin Smith, as well as running back DeShaun Foster (Panthers) and receiver Isaac Bruce (Rams).
After jumping on the 49ers’ bandwagon in 2007, pundits are staying away from San Fran this year. Even though they arguably got stronger defensively with the addition of Smith, the team still has some question marks on offense, namely at quarterback with Alex Smith. The team did add the highly touted Mike Martz as an offensive coordinator.
Odds for the 49ers are all over the board. Current prices on the 49ers’ chances to win the 2009 Super Bowl range from 80/1 at Sportsbook.com, 75/1 at Bodog, and 50/1 at SBG Global.
Oddsmakers have also set the 49ers’ over/under total for wins in 2008 at 6.5, but clearly think San Francisco will win more than 6.5 games considering the over pays out at –120 compared to -110 for the under.
Smith’s development has hindered San Fran’s hopes, but the key might be the addition of Martz. While in Detroit, Martz helped quarterback Jon Kitna become an above average passer and he might be able to do the same for Smith. At least the team can count on a solid backfield with Foster and star Frank Gore. The offensive line needs to improve, but if the defense gels, the Niners could be one of the sleeper teams in a weak NFC West.
San Francisco 49ers Odds to Win 2009 Super Bowl
SBG Global 50-1
Bodog 75-1
Sportsbook.com 80-1
San Francisco 49ers 2008 Regular Season Win Totals Odds
San Francisco 49ers Over 6.5 Wins (-120)
San Francisco 49ers Under 6.5 Wins (-110)