Niner Noise
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NFL power rankings: Close isn’t enough for 49ers entering Week 5

By Peter Panacy

CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: D.J. Reed #32 of the San Francisco 49ers fumbles the ball during a kick return as he is tackled by Michael Davis #43 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: D.J. Reed #32 of the San Francisco 49ers fumbles the ball during a kick return as he is tackled by Michael Davis #43 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Running back Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers fights off cornerback Greg Mabin #26 of the San Francisco 49ers as he runs for a first down in the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Running back Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers fights off cornerback Greg Mabin #26 of the San Francisco 49ers as he runs for a first down in the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Previous: . Los Angeles Chargers. 11. team. 13. . W, 29-27 vs. 49ers

Yes, the Chargers drop a couple of spots in our NFL power rankings despite picking up the home win against the 49ers last week.

Part of it is a market correction, as the Chargers certainly didn’t play their best game against an opponent vastly inferior to them, talent-wise. But the bigger reason is Los Angeles had to rely more on San Francisco mistakes and gaffes to scratch and claw its way back into the lead.

OK, so quarterback Philip Rivers bounced back nicely after throwing a pick-six interception on the Chargers’ first drive of the game. And running back Melvin Gordon continues to show why he’s one of the most underappreciated offensive weapons in the NFL today. He was outstanding, both on the ground and through the air.

That said, the Chargers defense still misses EDGE Joey Bosa, who continues to be out with a foot injury. He can’t return soon enough.

And while L.A. would have to be happy about a 2-2 finish after such a rough early part to its schedule, one would think the Chargers’ Week 4 win would have been more impressive and one-sided.

It wasn’t.