With good reason, the San Francisco 49ers enter the 2012 season as not only the favorites to win the NFC West but also as a contender for the Super Bowl. They've got a top-five (top-three, probably) defense and have added some playmakers on offense like receivers Randy Moss, Mario Manningham, A.J. Jenkins and running LaMichael James. They can hope that a full offseason together as a team with the same offensive coordinator will mean improvement from Alex Smith. Many variables point to the Niners as the favorites, but don't count the Seahawks out, say Pro Football Weekly.