By Dean Michaels, NFL Writer

The San Francisco 49ers are understandably excited heading into the 2012 season. After advancing all the way to the NFC Title Game in the first year of the Jim Harbaugh era, expectations are sky high for a squad that should again negotiate the NFC West fairly easily. Alex Smith, Patrick Willis and the rest of the 49ers dominating defense, kick things off in Week 1 on the road against the Green Bay Packers.

 

NFL 2012 Week 1: San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers Preview