The forecast for the 49ers in 2016 isn’t sunny. As the Niners prepare to open the regular season Monday night against the Los Angeles Rams, ESPN’s Football Power Index gives them a better chance of having the worst record in the NFL and earning the first pick in the 2017 draft (13 percent) than making the playoffs (5 percent).
Yet this first season under new head coach Chip Kelly should be entertaining. With the Rams game approaching, the 49ers’ fate hinges on several questions:
Can Chip Kelly’s fast-paced, spread attack take the offense from dormant to dominating?
Can Carlos Hyde grow into an elite NFL running back?
Does Blaine Gabbert have a chance to continue improving into a solid pro quarterback?
Will Anthony Davis, Trent Brown, Zane Beadles and rookie Joshua Garnett turn the offensive line from a weakness to a strength?
Will former Oregon teammates DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead at the defensive ends provide a foundation for a better defense?
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If the 49ers hope to get off to a good start in 2016, they’ll have to knock off the Rams, who will be representing Los Angeles for the first time since the 1994 season. And that means they’ll have to stop dynamic running back Todd Gurley and contain a rugged defense led by tackle Aaron Donald, who was tied for the NFL lead in sacks at his position with 12.
Starting at quarterback for the Rams will be Case Keenum, who will have quick, elusive and versatile wide receiver Tavon Austin at his disposal. Austin last year scored touchdowns in three ways, as a receiver (5), running back (4) and punt returner (1).
On offense, Kelly’s 49ers likely hope to give the Rams a heavy dose of Hyde. Kelly loves to run the ball, and Hyde is a powerful back who was off to a great year in 2015 before a foot injury. Now, with a better offensive line and a new scheme, Hyde could be poised for a breakout year. If he shows he can carry a big load, the 49ers offense will be much more effective.
Hyde has been cleared to play after a recent concussion, and Kelly says Hyde will play a large role Monday night.
“He’s not a guy you have to get off the field on third down,” Kelly said this week. “He’s great in blitz pickup. He’s also a threat to catch the ball coming out of the backfield. When you defend Carlos, you have to defend everything.”
The Rams have had trouble in the Bay Area, getting just a win and a tie in their last eight trips to play the 49ers.
Kickoff for the nationally televised game at Levi’s Stadium is scheduled for 7:20 p.m. Oddsmakers have made the Rams 2-point favorites.
