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Like the Chiefs, the 49ers weren't a particularly lucky team en route to the Super Bowl last season. They were hit hard by injuries but overcame them to come out of the NFC. San Francisco's season could swing depending on what it gets from two first-round picks. Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw will be tasked with replacing a chunk of DeForest Buckner's production. And wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is positioned to step in for Emmanuel Sanders. If the rookies are up to the task, the 49ers are set up to make another Super Bowl run.

Getting back to the Super Bowl after losing it is a big challenge. Kyle Shanahan has the makeup to get it done, but it won't be easy. Their season will be all about the growth of Jimmy Garoppolo.

Really would have been fun to watch these (already legendary) Trent Williams-Nick Bosa training camp battles. The Niners should be better because of them.

Can the 49ers return to the Super Bowl and finish the job?

Nick Wagoner: Rare is the team that can lose a Super Bowl, return the next year and win the Lombardi trophy. In fact, it has happened only three times. But the Niners believe they can do it in large part because they return almost all of their starters and coaching staff in a season when continuity might be more valuable than ever.

We're all about giving Kyle Shanahan the benefit of the doubt, but the defending NFC champs will begin the season with serious issues at wide receiver. Let's recap where they're at: Deebo Samuel is working his way back from a broken foot. Richie James Jr. missed camp with a broken wrist. First-round pick Brandon Aiyuk is week-to-week with a hamstring injury. Jalen Hurd tore his ACL. Tavon Austin hit IR with his own knee issue. Emmanuel Sanders exited via free agency, and Travis Benjamin was a COVID-19 opt-out. Right about now, George Kittle is probably wondering what kind of damage he can do on Sundays while being quintuple-teamed.