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San Francisco 49ers: 10 Key Stats to Watch for the Upcoming 2016 Season

By Peter Panacy

Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) runs the ball against the St. Louis Rams in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) runs the ball against the St. Louis Rams in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Kroft (81) scores a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) and cornerback Dontae Johnson (36) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Kroft (81) scores a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) and cornerback Dontae Johnson (36) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Point Differential

2015 Point Differential: minus-149

This stat may be a little more difficult to assess, based on what may be expected out of head coach Chip Kelly and how it impacts the 49ers defense.

While most believe Kelly’s offensive approach will greatly improve the team’s scoring capability, one has to wonder how much the defense will suffer as a result. According to NFL Films senior editor Greg Cosell (h/t CSN Bay Area), Kelly-led teams are always going to struggle, defensively.

Few things could be worse than San Francisco’s minus-149 point differential from 2015 though.

This number was second to last in the NFL and a mere six points better than the lowly Cleveland Browns.

Judging by the chart below, it’s easy to see why the 49ers line here was pretty bad. The numbers speak for themselves.

Closing this gap may not be easy. Heck, the 49ers may still finish with a negative point differential when the season is finished. They probably will.

But if this large gap is closed down into mere double-digit numbers, the end figure would signify a vast improvement and suggest San Francisco is in more games late in regulation.

Next: No. 4: The Turnover Differential