I think the Niners could be a SuperBowl contender because the NFC isn't as competitive as the AFC. In my opinion the NFC is wide open. The home opener against the Saints is a very important game even though it's early in the season. You never know, the 49ers and Saints could end up tied at the end of the year. If 49ers beat the Saints, look out and it's a strong possibility that it could happen. The 49ers pretty much had the Vikings beat last year and the Vikings were a top team.
In the AFC you have the Patriots, Colts, Jets, Ravens, Chargers, Bengals, Steelers, Titans, Texans..... it's funk in the AFC and a bit tougher.