Florio's Legit Super Bowl Contenders

[MaroonBells]

About the NFC, Florio writes…“In the NFC, it’s the Eagles, Lions, Rams, 49ers, and Commanders. Maybe the Buccaneers. Maybe the Vikings.”

Curious why we keep seeing the 49ers on these lists. I get that they have a history of winning, good coaches and a QB who’s proven he can win. But this is also a team that was 6-11 last year, and to THAT team they added no one of significance and subtracted the following players: Deebo Samuel, Jordan Mason, Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, Leonard Floyd, Talanoa Hufanga, Dre Greenlaw, Aaron Banks and Charvarius Ward, among others. In terms of money, this represents the largest player exodus in NFL history. 

Compounding matters, their 2021, 22 and 23 drafts produced only two starters: Brock Purdy and Deommodore Lenoir. What’s more, they have a whopping $92M in dead money for the 2025 season, which leads the NFL by almost double the amount of the 2nd place team.

So this mess of a 49er team is a sure-fire contender, while the 14-3 team who lost nothing of significance and added 5 starters who have 8 Pro Bowls between them is a “maybe"? Got it.

[purplefaithful]

Yah, the 49'ers were the first big question mark for me on that list. Hell, their drafts arent nothing to brag about either are they?

Bucs??

I think they're a tough match-up for a lot of teams and I luv the Baker story. But they are clearly tier2 in the NFC. Thats where I put the Cowboys too, with a healthy Dak.

I gotta put the Vikings that Tier 2 as well, until they prove they dont belong.

[medaille]

I feel like I would only include the Eagles, Rams, and Lions. Commanders would be in that next tier. I don’t think you can put any team with a suspect (unproven?) QB in a list of contenders, so I wouldn’t put the Vikings on that list, although they could easily be on that list if JJM plays well.

Regarding the 49ers, when you think about contenders you’re thinking about the organization, the coaching staff, the QB, and the roster. The 49ers are a perennially good team, and would be on the list most years. Organization is good. Coaching staff is good. Retained their good QB. I think they have most of the trappings of a contender, but they’re rebuilding so I think they’ll probably be more middle tier this year.

I don’t think you can hold last year against them as they had so many injuries, but they just don’t have the talent this year. I think they’ll “contend” for the playoffs, but not the SB, which you kind of expect out of any well run organization.

[Montana Tom]

I think Florio's prediction has merit. While I am not sure about the Buc's and agree with Purple Faithful on the Niners, the jury is out on the Vikings until we see JJM actually on the field in a league game. That is what most who cover the NFL (and not wearing purple glasses) are saying.

[comet52]

I've had the same thought regarding the Niners.  Brock Purdy is similar to Dak Prescott.  Overpaid and will need a perfect team around him to compete for a title.  Watching him struggle last year didn't surprise me.  

The Niners have drafted poorly in recent years and lost all the guys mentioned and some of the good players who are still there are aging out.  The predictions are overestimating the Niner organization based on what they did in the last few years while lazily failing to look at the current reality.

While JJM has yet to prove anything at this level, he was drafted 10th overall because of talent that clearly exceeds that of a guy taken at #262.

Also Sticky loves JJM and when was Sticky ever wrong!?

[StickierBuns]

Also Sticky loves JJM and when was Sticky ever wrong!?

lol, always?

[comet52]

lol, always?

You gotta be right about this one Sticky or we're all fucked for the umpteenth time.

[purplefaithful]

You gotta be right about this one Sticky or we're all fucked for the umpteenth time.

Truth...

And Sticky? Well, he's on the hook...

[StickierBuns]

Truth...

And Sticky? Well, he's on the hook...

Its just too damn important to Viking Nation.....being wrong isn't an option. I'm not the hero you deserve....I'm the hero you need. 

[JimmyinSD]

About the NFC, Florio writes…“In the NFC, it’s the Eagles, Lions, Rams, 49ers, and Commanders. Maybe the Buccaneers. Maybe the Vikings.”

Curious why we keep seeing the 49ers on these lists. I get that they have a history of winning, good coaches and a QB who’s proven he can win. But this is also a team that was 6-11 last year, and to THAT team they added no one of significance and subtracted the following players: Deebo Samuel, Jordan Mason, Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, Leonard Floyd, Talanoa Hufanga, Dre Greenlaw, Aaron Banks and Charvarius Ward, among others. In terms of money, this represents the largest player exodus in NFL history. 

Compounding matters, their 2021, 22 and 23 drafts produced only two starters: Brock Purdy and Deommodore Lenoir. What’s more, they have a whopping $92M in dead money for the 2025 season, which leads the NFL by almost double the amount of the 2nd place team.

So this mess of a 49er team is a sure-fire contender, while the 14-3 team who lost nothing of significance and added 5 starters who have 8 Pro Bowls between them is a “maybe"? Got it.

I recall seeing talk about the niners having a very easy schedule this year.