49ers: Top 5 reasons the team will win the Super Bowl

The San Francisco 49ers have transformed into one of the most dominant teams in the NFL. Here are five reasons why the team will win the Super Bowl this year.

The San Francisco 49ers have surprised pundits and fans alike at how quickly they’ve become Super Bowl contenders.

Moving from a 12-loss team just a year ago, the 49ers added greatly to their defense and gotten their starting quarterback back on the field and healthy.

At 11-2 this year, they are tied for the best record in football. But let’s look deeper at the team to see why they are ready to win the Super Bowl.

1. The 49ers defense has taken a huge leap this year

They have moved from the middle of the pack defense to the No. 2 defense in all of football. The 49ers are holding opposing offenses to the lowest yards per play average.

The 49ers have the third-most sacks in the league and the second-fewest points scored against them. They are number one against the pass. Think how many times the Super Bowl MVP is a quarterback.

If the defense can reduce the effectiveness of the opposing quarterback, it gives them the best chance to win. Overall, the defense is allowing an average of just 267 yards per game.

2. The 49ers offense is also having a great year

They are averaging 389 yards per game. That gives the 49ers, the largest yardage differential in all of football. They outgain their opponents by 122 yards per game.

The 49ers average over 32 minutes of possession per game and that is third-largest in the league. They run and pass the ball at above league averages as they are second and fourth respectively.

It is important for a Super Bowl team to not be limited in the types of plays in which they’re successful.

3. George Kittle is a huge factor

George Kittle is likely the best blocking tight end in football. He is also likely the best receiving tight end in football. Kittle is averaging 12.6 yards after the catch.

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Opponents have to choose how to cover him definitively. If they try to cover him with just a safety, Kittle will be explosive in the passing game. If the opponent chooses to double cover Kittle, the explosive tight end will be the best blocker during running plays.

Finally, Kittle is the emotional leader of the team. He keeps the 49ers loose and confident.

4. Kyle Shanahan is quite possibly the best play-caller in football

After growing up the son of head coach Mike Shanahan, Kyle Shanahan has served as various coaches in various positions. He has been an offensive quality control coach under Jon Gruden.

He moved on to be a wide receivers coach and a quarterback coach under Gary Kubiak. He then moved up to offensive coordinator under Mike Shanahan, Mike Pettine, and Dan Quinn.

After Quinn’s Atlanta team made it to the Super Bowl, Shanahan became the 49ers head coach nearly three years ago. He has taken a bad team to the point of one of the best teams in football.

His use of presnap motion is in virtually every play. When there’s a key play, you can count on him making a crucial call whether it’s a long pass on 4th-and-2, or a run up the middle on 3rd-and-5.

Shanahan is as good at the offense as Bill Belichick is on defense.

5. The 49ers are currently the best team in the NFC

If they can maintain that, they get a first-round bye and all playoff games prior to the Super Bowl will be at home in Levi’s Stadium.

This has been the New England Patriots formula while going to four of the last five Super Bowls — winning three of those.

dark. Next. 49ers: 5 players who could make the Pro Bowl this season

Finishing the season first place in the conference, getting a bye, and staying at home is a recipe for success and the 49ers are hopefully about to do just that.