Kickoff Primer: An instant guide to the 2016 San Francisco 49ers
AFC Previews
BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ
BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT
HOU | IND | JAX | TEN
DEN | KC | OAK | SD
NFC Previews
DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS
CHI | DET | GB | MIN
ATL | CAR | NO | TB
ARI | LA | SF | SEA
San Francisco 49ers
| 2015 Record | 2015 Finish |
|---|---|
| 5-11 | 4th in NFC West |
Coaching Staff
Head coach: Chip Kelly
Offensive Coordinator: Curtis Modkins
Defensive Coordinator: Jim O'Neil
Key Additions
- HC Chip Kelly
- DE DeForest Buckner (1st round)
- G Joshua Garnett (1st round)
- QB Christian Ponder
- G Zane Beadles
- WR Jeremy Kerley
- WR Aaron Burbridge (6th round)
Key Departures
- G Alex Boone
- HC Jim Tomsula
- RB Jarryd Hayne
- WR Anquan Boldin
- RB Reggie Bush
Preseason Power Ranking - No. 31
Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick are splitting reps in practice, a sign of further dysfunction from the comically awful 49ers. Let's be honest, when was the last time Chip Kelly inspired confidence? More ...
Projected Starting Lineup
| Position | Starter |
|---|---|
| WR | Torrey Smith |
| WR | Quinton Patton |
| WR | Aaron Burbridge (R)* |
| LT | Joe Staley |
| LG | Zane Beadles |
| C | Daniel Kilgore |
| RG | Josh Garnett (R) |
| RT | Trent Brown |
| TE | Vance McDonald |
| QB | Blaine Gabbert |
| RB | Carlos Hyde |
* wide receiver Bruce Ellington (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve
| Position | Starter |
|---|---|
| DE | Arik Armstead |
| NT | Glenn Dorsey |
| DE | DeForest Buckner (R) |
| OLB | Ahmad Brooks |
| ILB | NaVorro Bowman |
| ILB | Ray Ray Armstrong |
| OLB | Aaron Lynch |
| CB | Tramaine Brock |
| SS | Antoine Bethtea |
| FS | Eric Reid |
| CB | Jimmie Ward |
Question to Answer
- How much did Chip Kelly learn from his mistakes in Philly?
- Who will start at quarterback and how long will they last?
- How much of a distraction will Colin Kaepernick's protest be?
Best-case scenario
With little to no talent at virtually every position, the 49ers put all their faith in Chip Kelly's system and find out the NFC West can't handle the lightning-quick pace and vertical concepts. Carlos Hyde has a season for the ages and the combination of former college teammates Arik Armstrong and DeForest Buckner punish opposing quarterbacks. Sadly, in a loaded division with a depleted roster, the 49ers best season may be an 8-8 record, which would be both impressive and still not good enough for a playoff spot.
Worst-case scenario
Neither Gabbert or Kaepernick is capable of leading Kelly's offense and the coach can't make up his mind, regularly flipflopping between options under center. Without a consistent leader, the rest of the offense struggles to get in a rhythm, rendering the system useless. NaVorro Bowman becomes frustrated as the only defender who knows what he's doing and lashes out at teammates. The unforgiving NFC West schedule looks at San Francisco like a confidence game and the 49ers get tuned up all season, finishing with a 2-14 record.