Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: The all-time fantasy football team

By Peter Panacy

Aug 8, 2015; Canton, OH, USA; Jerry Rice (left) and Steve Young during the 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2015; Canton, OH, USA; Jerry Rice (left) and Steve Young during the 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers former player Ronnie Lott during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. The Patriots defeated the 49ers 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers former player Ronnie Lott during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. The Patriots defeated the 49ers 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense/Special Teams: 1984 49ers

Another year you’d probably want to pluck for your all-time 49ers fantasy squad.

Some might argue the 1984 Niners defense and special teams unit was the best in NFL history.

Well, Bleacher Report’s Mike Tanier might not have gone that far recently, as he ranked San Francisco’s 1984 squad No. 20 all time. But this is the best one the 49ers have fielded in franchise history.

Tanier wrote:

"Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright, Dwight Hicks and Carlton Williamson all made the Pro Bowl in 1984. The 49ers notched 25 interceptions, with a pass rush led by Dwaine Board and an aging Fred Dean adding 51 sacks. While Walsh pioneered the West Coast Offense, Seifert confused opponents with wrinkles like what is now called a Leo edge-rusher (a linebacker or defensive end standing up, wide of the left tackle) and what he called a Whip safety (today’s safety-linebacker hybrid) on passing downs."

Indeed, the 49ers ranked No. 1 in points allowed (227), gave up the fewest passing touchdowns (14) and the second-fewest rushing touchdowns (10).

And while this group didn’t lead the league in sacks or interceptions, one thing was certain — teams couldn’t score against San Francisco.

En route to the franchise’s second Super Bowl, the Niners never allowed more than 23 points in a single game and gave up over 400 yards of total offense just three times.

That would be dominant in any fantasy setting.