Three reasons 49ers will win the Super Bowl in 2021: QB options, healthier defense will lift Kyle Shanahan

San Francisco has a feasible path back to the title game

The 49ers went from cellar-dwellers to title contenders in a matter of a year, jumping from 4-12 afterthoughts to 13-3 favorites from 2018 to 2019. Then, in the span of another year, they returned to rock bottom. Well, not quite, but finishing 6-10 at the basement of the NFC West and out of the playoffs just one season after facing Patrick Mahomes for the Lombardi Trophy was disappointing for San Francisco in 2020. Now, with the 2021 campaign right around the corner, there's plenty of reason for yet another seismic shift.

Other NFC teams are worthy preseason favorites: The Packers have one more round of Aaron Rodgers, the Seahawks have yet to post a losing record with Russell Wilson, the Rams are hyped up with a quarterback upgrade, and the Vikings appear to have another trademark Mike Zimmer defense. But if the 49ers suddenly return to the postseason and make a run all the way to the promised land, you shouldn't be totally surprised. Here are three reasons San Francisco can get back to -- and win -- the Super Bowl in 2021:

Kyle Shanahan finally has options at QB

When Shanahan lost Jimmy Garoppolo to injury in 2018 and 2020, he had C.J. Beathard and Nick Mullens as emergency fill-ins. You can see why San Francisco went a combined 10-22 in those seasons. Now he's got Trey Lance, one of this year's hottest quarterback prospects as an alternative -- the NFL's top, most athletic backup, at the very least; or an immediate successor, at best. 

There's no undesirable scenario under center: The Niners could literally cut Garoppolo, save $25 million and turn the keys to Lance, who's raw but can be eased in with Shanahan's run-heavy offense. They could start Jimmy G and, barring another injury, ride his steady hand right back to the playoffs with Lance waiting in the wings. Or they could play both, riding the hot hand and/or using the young gun situationally. Either way, the floor and ceiling have been raised for the most important position

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The entire team is back to good health

Just returning from injury doesn't guarantee success, and a lot can happen/regress in two years, but the last time San Francisco didn't lose practically half its lineup to serious physical issues, this team was a Super Bowl contender. Just look across the board, and the foundation is there, in good shape: Garoppolo at QB, Raheem Mostert and Deebo Samuel and George Kittle and Trent Williams on offense, Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead and Fred Warner on defense.

This isn't like a bunch of 30-somethings coming back to try to replicate Super Bowl glory of old. Some of the best weapons -- like Samuel and Kittle and Bosa -- are either young, still emerging or squarely in their prime. And if you don't think that means much, just consider Bosa. At 22, he was wreaking havoc as a star pass rusher for an NFC-winning "D." Now, at 23, he's back on fresh legs ready to get after QBs and make a case as one of the game's best at his position. That's a season-changing addition.

The trenches are rock solid

For all the (justified) hoopla that surrounds playmakers in today's NFL, we all know the real work starts in the trenches. Just ask Patrick Mahomes what it's like trying to win a second ring behind a battered O-line. In San Francisco, the 49ers don't have the full-unit star power of teams like the Colts or Browns, but they're not that far off. Trent Williams at left tackle just might be the best in the game. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey is a staple on the ground. And new center Alex Mack is a savvy veteran addition at the heart of the line.

On the other side of the ball, Bosa's return alone makes the 49ers imposing again. Armstead on the other side is solid. Former first-round defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw finally appears to be heating up after a strong summer. And the rangy linebacker crew behind them, led by Fred Warner and the underrated Dre Greenlaw, should help the cause. The 49ers have depth questions on both sides of the ball (see: wide receiver, cornerback, etc.), but if they stay upright, they have the tools to play their game and play it well: Run the ball, control the clock and stay stingy with opposing offenses.

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