NFL power rankings: 49ers stay even, Patriots fall entering Week 3

No movement in our NFL power rankings for the 49ers this week, despite them holding on against a surging Lions fourth quarter that saw the Niners’ 17-point lead evaporate to just the three points.

San Francisco 49ers

Jimmy Garoppolo was sacked six times in the game, although at least three of those were on plays where he clearly held onto the ball too long. So far this season, Jimmy G hasn’t quite displayed the prowess and poise that made him a national sensation almost overnight a year ago.

Fortunately, head coach Kyle Shanahan was able to get an impressive performance from running back Matt Breida, who churned out 138 yards against a suspect Lions defense — the longest of which, 66 yards, went for one of the three crucial San Francisco touchdowns.

While the 49ers pulled off their first victory of 2018, it almost looked as if it was in spite of the team’s efforts rather than anything either side of the ball did particularly well. And with Detroit making oh-so many mistakes, one can only wonder what would have happened if the Lions played a cleaner game.

Especially at the end.

Remember, though, the 49ers were losing these kinds of close games a year ago at this time. So maybe Shanahan and Co. have turned a page there.