NFC West Matchup Advantages For 2012 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO (Bleacher Report) - With a talent-laden, yet unproven roster, the San Francisco 49ers ran through their NFC West opponents in 2011.

This is not to say that road was any sort of a cakewalk; their 5-1 record certainly did not do justice to the competitiveness of all but two matchups.

However, the 49ers owned certain key advantages over the Cardinals, Seahawks and Rams that will carry over in 2012. A highly-ranked run defense, pass rush and special teams, among others, comprise the strong suits for the Red and Gold.

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