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Predicting 49ers Starting Lineup after Week 1 of Preseason

By Bobby Horne

Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly walks down the sideline during action against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter at Levi
Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly walks down the sideline during action against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter at Levi /
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Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) and San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) signal in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Texans won 24-13. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) and San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) signal in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Texans won 24-13. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Middle Linebacker

  1. NaVorro Bowman
  2. Michael Wilhoite

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All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman is the true leader of the 49ers defense. He led the NFL in tackles in 2015 and looks to have his best season yet. Bowman will get the starting nod.

Michael Wilhoite started in Week 1 and will remain the starter for the second week in a row. However, the competition at this spot is heated.

Linebackers Gerald Hodges and Ray-Ray Armstrong are showing some good play and have both had stellar training camps. This position is up for grabs, and Wilhoite has nothing set in stone.

Next: Corner Back