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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Reasons for Hope in 2016

By Peter Panacy

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Not much is expected out of the San Francisco 49ers in 2016. A new coaching staff, a young and unproven roster and a slew of other questions have pundits doubting the red and gold. But Niner Noise looks at reasons why there’s hope for the 49ers this season.

Nov 23, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs for a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Redskins 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs for a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Redskins 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Unless you haven’t been paying much attention, most NFL experts throughout the country aren’t saying too many good things about the San Francisco 49ers entering the 2016 season.

It’s not surprising. The Niners are coming off an ugly 2015 campaign, in which the team went 5-11 under one-and-done former head coach Jim Tomsula. It was a year in which the 49ers ranked at, or near the bottom of, nearly every significant offensive and defensive category.

Putting it simply, the Niners of last year were boring. And the team was still reeling from the offseason departures endured in the post-Jim Harbaugh era.

Even with head coach Chip Kelly at the helm, San Francisco still has a young roster devoid of substantial talent from one end to another. This is no longer the same team capable of reaching three consecutive NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl berth.

So it’s not a surprise the 49ers aren’t favored to win any of their games this season. This team is that bad, right?

Well, not so fast.

There are more than a handful of things San Francisco has to feel good about entering 2016. While the Niners may not be a 10-win team or playoff bound this year, there are elements for which fans can be excited as the season approaches.

Let’s focus on those aspects, as Niner Noise breaks down five reasons for hope this season.

Next: Up-and-Coming Players