49ers expected to return to Super Bowl in 2021

Consider where the San Francisco 49ers were a year ago. 

They were just a few months removed from their fourth straight losing season and fifth straight year out of the playoffs.

Their fortunes have since changed significantly. With the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft, the 49ers took Nick Bosa to bolster an increasingly formidable defensive front that became the foundation of their success in 2019. 

After they finished first in the NFC West, the 49ers rolled through the playoffs to a Super Bowl berth. They are favored to lead the NFC in wins and repeat as conference champs again in 2021. 

The 49ers had to move DeForest Buckner in a recent trade, because of salary-cap implications, but received the 13th overall pick in return, which gives them flexibility to bring in a pass rusher or a potential stud receiver, for an offense that could use help at that position. 

The 49ers have a solid foundation to build around, led by their defensive line. They also ran the ball exceptionally well, thanks to their offensive line. If Jimmy Garoppolo is able to clean some things up in terms of ball security, it would reduce the chance of a serious regression and give the 49ers an even greater shot at claiming the NFC. 

Which teams could challenge the 49ers for the NFC in 2021?

New Orleans Saints

The Saints have a 37-11 record over their last three seasons, but the closest they have gotten to a Super Bowl is a controversial loss in the 2018 NFC Championship game. 

Veteran quarterback Drew Brees re-signed for two more years, and will continue to lead an offense always capable of big things. Michael Thomas has become arguably the best receiver in football, with four straight 1,000-yard seasons, capped with a career-high 149 catches and 1,725 receiving yards last year. 

They added Emmanuel Sanders on offense, and dynamic running back Alvin Kamara should be able to bounce back from a down year. 

The Saints should expect stiffer competition from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons this season, but making the playoffs remains realistic. That should provide the opportunity to challenge the 49ers for the NFC title. 

Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers lost to the 49ers in the 2020 NFC Championship game, but after some aggressive moves last offseason, they have yet to make a big splash with a major trade or free agent signing this year. 

There are a few questions that will need to be addressed if the Packers are to challenge the 49ers. 

Davante Adams is their No. 1 receiver, but can they rely on Devin Funchess, Allen Lazard, or Marquez Valdes-Scantling as the supporting cast in the pass game?

And what about Aaron Rodgers? He is 36 years old and threw for just more than 4,000 yards last season. Can he return to peak form? 

It’s unlikely, given his age, and with an underwhelming group of receivers outside of Adams, it’s fair to question whether this offense will be good enough to push the Packers over the hump. 

Dallas Cowboys

Will a new coach bring better results for the Dallas Cowboys?

After owner Jerry Jones declined to renew the contract of longtime head coach Jason Garrett, the Cowboys brought in former Packer boss Mike McCarthy to help the franchise get back to the promised land. 

The talent is there. Ezekiel Elliott is entering his fifth season, but the Cowboys must take advantage of this time, given the short shelf life of running backs. 

They brought back Amari Cooper, whose career has experienced a renaissance since he was dealt to Dallas two years ago. 

They also signed defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and veteran safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. 

The biggest piece of business will be getting Dak Prescott a new contract, after the Cowboys applied the franchise tag to their starting quarterback this offseason. 

The Cowboys do not lack the talent. That talent just needs to translate onto the field.