Many prognosticators pegged the 49ers as one of the worst teams in the NFL in 2016 during Chip Kelly’s first season as coach.

But Cardinals coach Bruce Arians is no prognosticator. He thinks San Francisco might be up to something this season. He was asked this week about the way the NFC West is shaping up.

“Seattle’s always Seattle,” Arians said. “I think the Rams, with that defense and (Todd) Gurley healthy, they’re always a threat. And I think Chip is going to do a phenomenal job in San Francisco. I think they’re the sleeper in the division.”

To be sure, “sleeper” could be Arians’ way of patronizing the 49ers. Coach speak often includes praising teams, players and/or coaches that don’t deserve it. It’s a way to avoid generating headlines because conflict always draws the wrong kind of attention.

Or – perhaps Arians has watched San Francisco closely during its two preseason games, where Kelly’s team ran for 420 yards combined and allowed just one sack. Arians might be wondering about the promising futures of DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead along the the defensive front.

Maybe Arians really is bullish on the 49ers because of the improved offensive line and what Carlos Hyde could do in Kelly’s system. We’ll never know because coach speak is hardly illuminating. But Arians’ fondness for Kelly is a notable development for the newly-minted division rivals.