NFL Predictions: San Francisco 49ers Will Win the NFC West

Obviously it would have been impossible to predict the division winners before the lockout ended. There were too many big-name free agents out there that were set to change the look and feel of the 2011 season. With nearly all of the high-profile players set with their new or old teams, the landscape of the NFL has changed, and we can begin to see these teams take shape.

There were many teams that appeared to greatly improve their team on paper, while others appear as though they might be taking a step back. The free-agent frenzy put a giant target on the Eagles' back, and really hurt teams like the Bengals and the Raiders. Some teams like the Cardinals, Seahawks and Vikings made some great deals and could possibly be contenders next year.

It would be ridiculous to predict the number of wins for each team this year, due to the make-up of the teams, injuries and the fact that football activities have just now started. There are some predictions that I feel aren't that much of a stretch, like the San Francisco 49ers winning the NFC West this year.

While the division is probably still the worst in the league, there is still a playoff berth to be had. Last year, Seattle shocked the world by sneaking into the playoffs and derailing the New Orleans Saints. They were the talk of the league, and they looked like a totally different team. The same can happen this year if San Francisco can put their new group together in time.

New head coach Jim Harbaugh believes that his team can win the division, and he should. Even though Alex Smith hasn't lived up to the expectations of a number one pick, he isn't as bad as most people claim he is. He is a capable quarterback who now finally has some established receivers. Michael Crabtree enters his second year after what was a bittersweet rookie season. He was injured a lot, but he still put up impressive numbers.

On the other side, you have Braylon Edwards as the newest member of this team. While he did lead the league in drops two years ago, he proved last year that he is a talented player who can produce. He is a big target that they can use in the red zone. Another weapon Smith has is Vernon Davis, who finally began playing at a Pro-Bowl level last year. Add to that the services of a great running back like Frank Gore, and you have an offense that should finally be able to click.

The defense will look a little different, as they have added some new faces. Nate Clements is gone and Carlos Rogers comes over from Washington, where he should give them better play. They acquired safety Donte Whitner from Buffalo this week as well, so their secondary should improve. They still have quality guys on the defensive line, and they still have the best defensive player in the game, linebacker Patrick Willis.

I don't expect the addition of Tarvaris Jackson to help Seattle that much, even with Sidney Rice following him over there from Minnesota. The Rams are still a very young team with problems on defense.

The Cardinals have made big improvements, and are many people's pick to win the division this year. While I like the roster moves they made, I still think the 49ers have better talent at certain positions. The book is still out on Kolb, I'm not sure why everyone is already calling him a great player.

The division as a whole will be much better than last year, and it's time for this 49ers team to start playing up to the level that they are capable of. It looks like they finally have a coach there that will get them on the right path.