Closest Game: Washington (Week 12) One of a couple of low-scoring games on the schedule, these are the types of outcomes that Mike Holmgren’s teams typically win. If the San Francisco 49ers are breathing down the Seahawks’ necks, expect Seattle to try to turn it up a notch to give its coach and its fans another division title. Pressure does not always work in ateam’s favor, and the outcome of this game should indicate how the Seahawks are handling it. Fantasy Notables: Matt Hasselbeck (9) 3,720 yards, 22 TDs, 13 INTs; Julius Jones (32) 1,162 total yards, 8 TDs; Bobby Engram (28) 74 receptions, 933 yards, 6 TDs; John Carlson (37) 31 receptions, 295 yards, 2 TDs; Brandon Coutu (29) 35/35 XPs, 23/29 FGs Projected 2008 Results:WeekOpponentWin%Avg Score1 Buffalo Bills6519-172San Francisco 49ers5722-163St. Louis Rams7426-145 New York Giants3516-256Green Bay Packers4517-177 Tampa Bay Buccaneers7319-158 San Francisco 49ers6222-209Philadelphia Eagles5521-1410 Miami Dolphins7523-1711Arizona Cardinals6724-1412Washington Redskins4719-2013 Dallas Cowboys3616-2614New England Patriots1918-2715 St. Louis Rams7224-1816New York Jets5622-1417 Arizona Cardinals6521-17  San Francisco (8-8)Before the 2007 season, the 49ers seemed to make all the right moves to get back to respectability.

Then they were hit by several key injuries and some very inconsistent play from the young players on the team.This offseason, the 49ers again did not hesitate to make big moves In 2008, they start to see the fruits of their labor. The kids are maturing and the offense should be able to put a lot of points on the board under Mike Martz. The 49ers average 25.3 points per game (10th) and allow 24.8 points (21st) against a schedule featuring six games against 2007 playoff teams. Absolute Record: 8-8 Most Significant Newcomer: Mike Martz, Offensive Coordinator Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson, Justin Smith, Dontarrious Thomas, and DeShaun Foster are all important, but they will not have as much impact as Martz.Alex Smith started to “get it” under Norv Turner in 2006. Then, he took some steps backward with mediocre play and an injury last year. This is his make-or-break year.If he can handle Martz’s system, he could put up big numbers If he cannot, Shaun Hill or J.T.

O’Sullivan will get that coveted opportunity.With a dynamic, all-around back in Frank Gore, a hungry deep-threat in Bryant Johnson, a freakish athlete in Vernon Davis (though Martz does not often utilize a tight end), a guy who knows the system in Isaac Bruce, a good backup running back who can catch the ball in DeShaun Foster, and an Hakim-or-Furrey-esque possession receiver in Arnaz Battle, there is no reason this offense should not succeed under Martz. Biggest Strength: Stars in the making Patrick Willis and Frank Gore have the ability to be considered the best players at their respective positions as early as 2008. Gore is an injury risk, yet his production is up there with LT, Brian Westbrook, and Steven Jackson when healthy.Willis is a tackling machine. San Francisco has spent a lot of money to bring in big-name free agents in the last two years. It has also drafted well and added good pieces around these two stars.

Most Exploitable Weakness: Sacks and Interceptions These two stats tend to get lumped together like “hustle stats” in basketball. San Francisco lacks the “hustle” to win the sack and turnover-differential battles. Mike Nolan should be a guy who can turn this around, and Justin Smith will help.Still, 2008 looks to be a season in which the 49ers fail to create turnovers like its opponents and see the quarterback on his back far more often than the other guys. Possible Fantasy Sleeper: Jason Hill, WR He is not mentioned above because he is not a proven commodity. By all accounts though, Alex Smith and Mike Martz love this burner out of Washington State He’s a guy who could really break out in 2008. The simulated season gives Hill 37 catches for 643 yards and five touchdowns. Closest Game: New Orleans (Week Four) Playing a road game against a recent playoff team like New Orleans, which has a below-average defense, will be a great, early barometer for this offense and this team.

The Saints also fall short in some of those hustle stats, so the 49ers have an opportunity to win the sack and interception competition and use a win to drive success into the rest of the season. Fantasy Notables: Alex Smith (15) 2,814 yards, 21 TDs, 13 INTs; Frank Gore (16) 1,414 total yards, 12 TDs; Bryant Johnson (20) 63 receptions, 971 yards, 7 TDs; Isaac Bruce (34) 67 receptions, 974 yards, 6 TDs; Vernon Davis (14) 31 receptions, 468 yards, 4 TDs; Joe Nedney (26) 46/47 XPs, 21/25 FGs Projected 2008 Results:WeekOpponentWin%Avg Score1Arizona Cardinals5428-212 Seattle Seahawks4316-223Detroit Lions7031-204 New Orleans Saints5326-245New England Patriots2220-296Philadelphia Eagles4422-237 New York Giants2918-308Seattle Seahawks3820-2210 Arizona Cardinals4722-2911St. Louis Rams6130-2112 Dallas Cowboys2721-3313 Buffalo Bills5325-2614New York Jets7837-2015 Miami Dolphins7328-2116 St. Louis Rams7632-2417Washington Redskins3528-31  Arizona Cardinals (6-10)It seems as though this team has already missed its window Edgerrin James is clearly on the back-end of hiscareer. Matt Leinart and the once-promising defensive backfield have problems staying healthy. And the wide-receiving corps lost Bryant Johnson and may see Anquan Boldin depart in the not-so-distant future.In 2008, after years of underachieving, the computer appears to have caught on and set the bar low for Arizona. The Cardinals average 21.4 points per game (22nd) and allow 25.5 points (22nd) against a schedule featuring six games against 2007 playoff teams.