The 49ers got hurt and lost their NFC crown last year. Better health, better luck, better players could get them back on track, starting Tuesday when they report to training camp.
Here is how I rank the NFC teams with a key question for each, six months before the George Halas Trophy is awarded on Jan. 30:
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5 in 2020)
Can Tom Brady and the still-intact Bucs become the NFL’s first back-to-back champion since Brady and the 2004 Patriots repeated?
2. 49ers (6-10)
How will Nick Bosa’s comeback pan out behind the scenes of the 49ers’ quarterback drama?
3. Seattle Seahawks (9-7)
Is this Russell Wilson’s or coach Pete Carroll’s last year in Seattle?
4. Dallas Cowboys (6-10)
Dak is back, but if he struggles, will new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn replace coach Mike McCarthy by season’s end?
5. Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
Will a new quarterback (Matthew Stafford) and another new defensive coordinator (Raheem Morris) boost the Rams to their fourth playoff berth in five years?
6. Washington Football Team (7-9)
Coach Ron Rivera is turning around the franchise, but can quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick really make the playoffs for the first time in his 17 journeyman seasons?
7. Minnesota Vikings (7-9)
How will new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak maximize the talents of Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and, OK, Kirk Cousins?
8. Carolina Panthers (5-11)
Sam Darnold and Christian McCaffrey could be a fun watch for years to come but will Matt Rhule last beyond this season?
9. New Orleans Saints (12-4)
Will it be Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill bombing in Drew Brees’ legendary footsteps?
10. Chicago Bears (8-8)
When, exactly, will Justin Fields will beat out QB1 Andy Dalton?
11. Green Bay Packers (13-3)
Will disgruntled MVP Aaron Rodgers show up for camp or even the season?
12. Arizona Cardinals (8-8)
What do J.J. Watt and A.J. Green have left after escaping Houston and Cincinnati, respectively?
13. New York Giants (6-10)
If Daniel Jones’ turnover habit resurfaces in camp, is Saquon Barkley healthy enough to carry the ball every snap?
14. Philadelphia Eagles (4-11-1)
They wouldn’t dare trade for Deshaun Watson and have first-year coach Nick Sirianni deal with the ensuing crisis, would they?
15. Atlanta Falcons (4-12)
New coach Arthur Smith is no relation to former coach Mike Smith, right?
16. Detroit Lions (5-11)
Can coach Dan Campbell and quarterback Jared Goff shock the world, starting in Week 1 against the visiting 49ers?
