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Heading into the 2013 season, the San Francisco 49ers were viewed by many as one of the favorites to compete in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Take a look at what the experts from NFL.com said back on August 30.

A lot has taken place for the 49ers over their 2013 campaign. Following a tremendous performance in Week 1 over the Green Bay Packers, San Francisco endured a two-game losing streak before rolling off five wins in a row.

Then, the 49ers fell victim to another two-game losing streak, prompting thoughts that this team's playoff chances were in jeopardy.

This author broke down those chances following Week 10 here.

The offense was struggling. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick had not developed like most had hoped. There were questions surrounding the play-calling on offense. Health of some of the players was an issue.

Fortunately for their fans, the 49ers have turned plenty of things around in recent weeks.

The 49ers enter their Week 17 matchup on Monday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons with a 10-4 record and still have an outside chance of winning the NFC West and possibly even a first-round bye in the playoffs.

While nothing in the NFL is guaranteed, San Francisco is starting to play like the team they were expected to be at the outset of the season. They are hitting their stride at the right time and therefore need to be considered favorites to win Super Bowl XLVIII.

Here are five reasons why.