ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Kyle from Modesto, Calif., writes: Sando, Great job on the NFC West blog. Here's my question to you: With potential wins against New Orleans and Brady-less New England, is being 4-1 too far ahead for us 49er Faithful to see? I know that the Eagles, Giants, Dallas and Buffalo will be tough games but realistically, what do you think our chances are of winning the West again?

Mike Sando: There's a good vibe in San Francisco right now. You just have to hope the 49ers can sustain what they are doing offensively. The improvement is dramatic. J.T. O'Sullivan is averaging 9.4 yards an attempt. Tom Brady was at 8.3 per attempt last season, the best of his career. It's pretty clear, then, that the 49ers' pass offense will come back to the pack a little.

I give the 49ers an outside shot at 4-1 and a good shot at 3-2. Their offense should do very well against the Saints' defense in Week 4.

Let's assume for the sake of conversation that the 49ers do get to 4-1. I would see them falling to 4-3 after playing the Eagles and Giants. Then they would have a huge divisional matchup against Seattle at home. Let's say the 49ers win that game. They are then 5-3 at the midpoint. Then let's say they lose at Arizona, beat the Rams, lose at Dallas, lose at Buffalo, beat the Jets, beat the Dolphins, beat the Rams and beat the Redskins.

That would be a 10-win season, but how realistic is that? You figure the 49ers aren't going to beat both the Seahawks and Redskins. And are they really going to beat the Saints and Patriots? Split those four games and you're looking at an 8-8 season and an outside shot at the division. That would be a successful season based on where the 49ers have been.

It's already a successful season given that fans are daring to dream again.

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Rollrams from Arizona writes: No one really want's to here about the SEAHAGS all the time!!!!!!!!!!!! Your report on the other teams in the NFC west is horid. I can get better inside info from my daughter's soccer coach... Mix things up a bit !!!!!!!!!! And not just of the seahags

Mike Sando: Sorry I couldn't get to your note earlier. I was breaking down the Cardinals-Redskins game to get a better feel for Tim Hightower's contributions on the 19.6 percent of snaps when Arizona targeted him as a runner or receiver. I also wanted to break down the 49ers' personnel use on their first three touchdown drives against Detroit. It's always impressive when a team can gain 61 yards on three plays from two-tight personnel.

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Michael from Anaheim, Calif., writes: how many games do you think the 49ers will win this year and do you see them making the playoffs?

Mike Sando: I have a hard time finding more than seven victories on the schedule even if the 49ers keep playing well. That would make the playoffs tough. As noted, we need to see if the offense can sustain its early production.

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Nathan from Fresno, Calif., writes: Hey Sando. I'm a huge 49ers fan, and i have seen some good things from the defense. Is the defense a top 10 d like they are ranked or is it just a matter of time before their true colors or shown?

Mike Sando: My expectations might have been too high, but I expected more from the defense early. Arizona and Seattle put together long scoring drives against San Francisco. The overall yardage numbers are good, including tied for ninth in total yards allowed and a No. 6 ranking in yards per play allowed.

The chances for a top 10 ranking improved when Tom Brady went on injured reserve. Finishing in the top 10 might require strong performances against Philadelphia and Dallas. Those teams can foul up the rankings.

I do think it's possible for the 49ers to finish that high on defense. They get two games against the Rams.

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Rio from Bellingham, Wash., writes: So, fantasy wise, should I be starting JT O'Sullivan, whose facing the Saints' D, or assume Carson Palmer will turn it around and light up the Cleveland D like last year? This is crucial. I'm having an awful year.

Mike Sando: Are you a fan of either team? If I were a fan, I would start the quarterback for the team other than the team I like. That way you couldn't lose. If your team's quarterback has a great game, you're happy whether or not you started him in your fantasy league. Given a straight-up choice between those players, you might as well go with O'Sullivan because you know their passing game is playing well.

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Philip from Missoula, Mont., writes: Why aren't the Rams seriously looking at Bill Cowher as their next head coach? Is there discussion like that even going around? I think he would be the perfect fit for the Rams. Your thoughts Mike?

Mike Sando: The better question might be, "Why would Bill Cowher want to coach a team with an aging roster and potential longterm ownership issues?" Landing a coach of Cowher's caliber would represent a major coup for the Rams should they decide to change coaches.

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Mr. Zero from Alameda, Calif., writes: Hey Mike, how about if you update your division W/L predictions after everyone has played 4 games? I think that will be enough games to get a good idea where everyone is at this year and we can all throw in our predictions too.

Mike Sando: I like the idea. Thanks.

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Tanner from California writes: Mike, you're blog's awesome. I have a question. In your most recent blog, you said Seattle would try (emphasis on try) to sign Leroy Hill before he hits free agency. What did you mean by this?

Mike Sando: Thanks, Tanner. I meant they would try to do it, but they've got a lot of money tied up in the position already. Wanting to a sign a player doesn't always mean signing a player. I wonder if Hill might test the market. I'm sure the organization will want to keep its core defensive players, particularly with a defensive head coach taking over.

And as uwwsu2007 notes in the comments, the franchise tag would be available. Seattle's other free agents would include Rocky Bernard, Maurice Morris, Ray Willis and a few others. No one on Hill's level.

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Chris from parts unknown writes: what do you think the rams need to do to turn the season around, if it can be turned around? do you think scott linenann will be fired during or after the season?

Mike Sando: I see no way to turn around the season in a meaningful way. The team has benched Marc Bulger and we all know Trent Green is not the answer over the long term. The season looks like a total loss after only three games.