Frank Gore has said that the San Francisco 49ers will need to improve in 2013 if they are to win their division.
The 49ers have topped the NFC West for the last two seasons, but are expected to face tough competition from the Seattle Seahawks this year.
The running back told the team's official website: "It's probably one of the best divisions in football right now. We like it like that. We like it tough.
"Just knowing what it takes to get to where we got last year, we know if we want to get back there, we've got to do better this year to win it."
Gore recorded 1,214 rushing yards and eight touchdowns for the 49ers in 2012.