Coming off of an uncharacteristic 5-11 season, the 2016 San Francisco 49ers have higher expectations this season under new head coach Chip Kelly. Kelly brings his up-tempo offense to San Francisco after failing to change the landscape of the Philadelphia Eagles offense. The 49ers find themselves in a quarterback battle between last season’s starter Colin Kaepernick, who ended 2015 on the IR after being benched for Blaine Gabbert, former 2011 first round draft pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Either quarterback will benefit from having workhorse running back Carlos Hyde in the backfield. Hyde is expected to have a big 2016 season and his signed memorabilia, including signed mini helmets, footballs, and more, has seen a rise in popularity. The 49ers will have a hard time tallying more wins in the 2016 season and competing with a crowded NFC West division. The Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks are both Super Bowl contenders, and the Rams are a bit of a mystery as they begin their first season in Los Angeles. The San Francisco 49ers have lost too many key members of their once stout defense, and with a new head coach and quarterback controversy, you can’t expect a huge jump from the team in 2016. The 49ers remain a popular NFL team, however, and signed helmets, jerseys, footballs, and photos still attract plenty of interest.
