49ers still aren’t worst in NFC West power rankings for Week 6
By Peter Panacy
. San Francisco 49ers. 3. team. 42. .
Week 6 NFC West Power Rankings: San Francisco 49ers, No. 3
Just because the Niners aren’t last in our NFL power rankings for the division in Week 6 (we’re a San Francisco site… what did you expect?) doesn’t mean there should be a cause for celebration.
The 49ers are underperforming, especially on offense, and there’s no getting around that. It’s one thing to drop three games in a row to playoff-hopeful teams like the Green Bay Packers, Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals. But it’s another entirely when realizing the Niners have averaged less than 20 points scored over that span.
For a head coach Kyle Shanahan-led offense that was supposed to prize itself on being both dynamic and potent, that’s not a good sign. And while the defense hasn’t been perfect, the lack of offensive output and consistency has wasted multiple solid defensive outings of late.
Injuries have played a factor, yes. No. 1 running back Raheem Mostert (knee) is out for the year. Tight end George Kittle (calf) is on injured reserve, and San Francisco has also suffered short-term injuries to both quarterbacks, Jimmy Garoppolo (calf) and rookie Trey Lance (knee).
Whether it’s Garoppolo or Lance under center when the 49ers return to action in Week 7, Shanahan has to get more output from his offense. The defense might help keep his team in games thus far, but the Niners’ playoff hopes will evaporate quickly if the offense doesn’t turn things around in a hurry.