The San Francisco 49ers are close. Very close.
Over the last five seasons, they have made four NFC Conference Championship Games and two Super Bowls. And yet, this historic franchise will celebrate the 30-year anniversary of its last Super Bowl championship this season.
Do the 49ers have enough to get over the hump in 2024?
San Francisco Futures Odds
All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook unless noted otherwise.
Super Bowl Odds:Â +600
NFC Odds: +250
NFC West Division Odds: -195
Win Total:Â 11.5 – Over (+125))/Under (-150)
To Make/Miss Playoffs: Make (-525)/Miss (+350)
49ers Offense
The 49ers had arguably the league’s best offense last season, ranking second in total yards and third in scoring. And most of the key members are back for this season.
Quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle are up near the top at their respective positions.
MORE: NFL Super Bowl Odds
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s holdout in training camp is a concern, and if he isn’t on the roster when the regular season begins, it could be a problem making up for his production. However, there are plenty of pieces in place to still be a top-five or top-10 offense this season.
Veteran quarterback Joshua Dobbs was brought in to replace Sam Darnold as Purdy’s backup, although Dobbs is competing with Brandon Allen for that role.
49ers Defense
San Francisco was eighth in the NFL in total defense and had the NFC’s No. 1 scoring defense (ranked third in the NFL overall).
But defense is where the 49ers made some of their biggest offseason moves. They acquired defensive end Leonard Floyd and traded for defensive tackle Maliek Collins. Both figure to be starters for San Francisco this season.
One Betting Trend to Know
For all of their success in recent years, the 49ers have struggled against AFC opponents. Including the postseason (meaning last season’s Super Bowl), the 49ers are just 3-8 against the spread in games vs. AFC opponents.
KEEP READING: NFL Defensive Player of the Year Odds
As for this season, San Francisco must travel to both the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills out of the AFC East and host the New York Jets and New England Patriots. The 49ers will also host the Kansas City Chiefs in a Super Bowl rematch.
Best Bet for 49ers in 2024
When you’re one of the major contenders for the Super Bowl, there isn’t a lot of betting value to be found. The 49ers have the second-best odds to win the Super Bowl and are the betting favorites to win the NFC and NFC West Division.
So while there isn’t a lot of value to this bet, I’m still thinking taking the under on 11.5 wins is the way to go with the 49ers. San Francisco could still reach another Super Bowl, but the schedule on paper appears brutal, especially after a Week 9 bye.
Of their final five road games, four will be against teams that reached the playoffs last season — Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, Bills, Dolphins. In addition, the 49ers will have matchups with the Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, and Detroit Lions. All of those are at home, at least.
With so many heavyweights on their schedule, getting to 12 wins seems like a tough task.
