San Francisco 49ers’ Biggest Threats: Why Jordan Love’s Packers, Jared Goff’s Lions, the Eagles & LA Rams Can Worry NFC Champs, as per Analysts

With less than two weeks to the NFL Draft, teams soon need to decide if they want to stay put, cut down, or expand the menu. Concerning the San Francisco 49ers, their roster looks balanced even for now, even though they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl earlier this year. There are speculations that they may look to have a couple of additions from the incoming rookies. They already have good quality in the front and secondary but could use some safety/corner depth.

However, four teams could very well prove to be a threat to the 49ers’ NFC dominance which it enjoyed last year. In the latest episode of ‘Get Up’, Mike Tannenbaum, Harry Douglas, Domonique Foxworth, and Dan Graziano discussed potential teams that could challenge the 49ers in the 2024 campaign.

The Packers have very minimal gaps for concentrated improvements

The Green Bay Packers have emerged not merely as contenders but as palpable threats to the San Francisco 49ers’ dominance in the NFC. “They were unbelievable. Last nine games, seven and two,” Tannenbaum reflected, underscoring the team’s exceptional run towards the end of the 2023 season. Jordan Love, whose prowess as a QB has escalated, notably propelled this streak. Tannenbaum added, signaling a significant uptick in his career trajectory, “Jordan Love was playing as good as anybody in the league.”

The Packers’ offensive arsenal has seen robust enhancements, notably with the addition of Josh Jacobs, a move that Tannenbaum believed, bolstered their ground game significantly. The development of young talents such as WR Jayden Reed, who Tannenbaum said, “is gonna be a star,” has given Green Bay a multi-faceted attack that could perplex any defense, including that of the 49ers.

Tannenbaum’s enthusiasm extended beyond player performances and into strategic foresight regarding team management’s decisions in the draft and player development, “I’d be really surprised if they did draft a left tackle, which is really their only hole.” This comment encapsulates the Packers’ well-rounded roster, where minimal gaps allow for concentrated improvements, rather than overhauls—a luxury in the NFL.

The table below contains the 2023 NFL conference standings and statistics of the teams discussed:

The Lions’ have a strong foundation in the defense

Dan Graziano suggested that with the signing of Kirk Cousins, the Falcons could be a major threat in the NFC. However, Graziano’s musings were quickly met with a surprising pivot from Douglas. “Nope. I’m gonna go with the Detroit Lions.” He elaborated with evident respect for the culture cultivated by GM Brad Holmes and HC Dan Campbell, signifying a solid foundation set the previous year. This sense of unity and purpose was apparent, “also the culture that Brad Holmes and also Dan, excuse me, Dan Campbell has been able to build in Detroit,” he mentioned, praising the ethos that could be the wind beneath Jared Goff and Co.’s wings.

Douglas didn’t stop there; he dove into the specifics that could give the Lions their edge. “When I look at this football team, they made a point to cheer up the defense,” he noted, referring to strategic additions like DJ Reader, Marcus Davenport, and Carlton Davis, addressing a “massive need in the secondary.” The implication was clear: a fortified defense could be the linchpin in challenging the Niners’ dominance.

Philly’s key offseason changes have made them more dangerous

The Philadelphia Eagles have emerged as a formidable threat to the San Francisco 49ers’ stronghold over the NFC as well. The Eagles, underpinned by strategic enhancements to both their offensive and defensive lineups, have positioned themselves as serious contenders, as outlined by Domonique Foxworth.

He remarked, “I think what we saw from them last year was an issue with creativity on the offense. And I think bringing in Kellen Moore will help them address that.” The addition of OC Kellen Moore, known for his inventive play-calling, is expected to revitalize the Eagles’ offensive playbook, which could be pivotal in challenging the 49ers’ robust defense.

The analyst also highlighted the depth and potential of the Eagles’ roster, which is devoid of glaring weaknesses. “They certainly didn’t have any offensive talent shortcomings,” Foxworth noted, adding that the team had already begun to fortify their D-line, particularly focusing on LBs and safeties.

Moreover, with the NFL draft looming, the Eagles are strategically positioned to further bolster their squad. “And I think with three picks in the first two rounds coming up in this draft, they’ll address the rest of those issues,” Foxworth predicted, suggesting that these selections will be crucial in plugging any remaining gaps and adding depth to the team’s lineup.

The Rams are powerful even sans Aaron Donald

The Los Angeles Rams were also highlighted as a potential threat to the Niners’ dominance in the division. Dan Graziano, the host of the Get Up, emphasized the Rams’ recent trajectory despite undergoing what many considered a rebuilding phase. “Remember, the Rams just made the playoffs in their rebuilding year, the year where they took all the dead money on the cap and decided to try and rebuild. So now they have a first-round pick for the first time in eight years that they’ll probably make,” Graziano pointed out.

Graziano also noted the potential impact of losing a key player like Aaron Donald. However, he reassured that Aaron Donald’s absence, while significant, does not detract from the team’s overall capabilities. Adding to the conversation, Harry Douglas highlighted the contributions of less heralded players who have stepped up for the Rams. “And also Byron Young, those guys really stepped up. But being able to hit on Kyra Williams and also Puka Nacua, what it tells me is that Les Snead understands what he’s doing,” Douglas said.

The strategic acquisitions and draft successes have not only filled gaps left by veterans but also infused the roster with young talent that could prove pivotal in high-stakes matchups against teams like the 49ers. The presence of a veteran like Davis White, as mentioned by Graziano, “pretty good signing for them too. A veteran corner there who’s done a lot in the league, so we’ll see if he’s healthy enough to help them,” further bolsters the Rams’ defensive lineup, providing experience and depth in the secondary.

It will be interesting to see how the teams decide to pick the roster and get ready for the upcoming season.