49ers staying hot, climbing NFL power rankings in Week 13

The 49ers, winners of three games in a row and victors over the Vikings, have steadily improved in their NFL power rankings standings entering Week 13.

Don’t look now, but the San Francisco 49ers are getting hot at precisely the right time.

Or look now. Because you should.

The Niners have now won three consecutive games and four of five, most recently by knocking off the Minnesota Vikings in a playoff-like game in Week 12 at Levi’s Stadium by a score of 34-26. And if it weren’t for some San Francisco special teams gaffes, the score would have been much more lopsided.

More importantly, the memories of that four-game losing streak from earlier this season have largely gone away, and it seems like forever ago head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad was worried about a lack of identity.

The Niners have one now: control the ball with a stout run game and let wide receiver Deebo Samuel do everything on offense, because he can.

Now at 6-5 and sitting at the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff picture, it’s no surprise San Francisco has been on a steady rise in NFL power rankings.

Let’s take a look around the league and see where the team stands ahead of its next crucial game, a Week 13 road bout against the scuffling Seattle Seahawks.

Week 13 NFL power rankings: 49ers on the rise

Again, no shocker to see the Niners moving up in NFL power rankings after a three-game win streak and a crucial victory over another playoff-hopeful team, the Vikings.

Here’s what some of the experts around the league are saying.

Dan Hanzus, NFL.com: 10 (+6)

"The 49ers received huge contributions from unexpected places in a gutty win over the Vikings. Azeez Al-Shaair was a star at linebacker, first on the weak side and then in the middle calling plays once Fred Warner went out with a hamstring injury. Elijah Mitchell, playing with that steel pin in his finger, piled up 133 yards and a touchdown. And when Deebo Samuel was lost to a groin injury, it was Trent Sherfield who stepped up with a huge third-down catch that allowed San Francisco to burn precious seconds in the final quarter. The victory moved the Niners into playoff position in the NFC and reaffirmed what’s become increasingly apparent as the month has progressed: Kyle Shanahan’s team has found itself and is ready to make some noise."

ESPN: 12 (+2)

"The 49ers hit rock bottom against Arizona in Week 9, but that loss is now long forgotten. The Niners have won three in a row and four of their past five, and they now sit at the No. 6 spot in the NFC playoff picture. Given their schedule and the way things are breaking around them, it would be a surprise if they don’t make the postseason, which means this confidence rating should only continue to rise."

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 11 (+6)

"They are surging heading into December and have the look of a playoff team. They ran it right at the Vikings last week, which is their ideal way of winning."

Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated: 12

"Defensive issues ironed out, a versatile, problem-creating run game emerging, and the Niners have a familiar formula to lean on here."

Matt Verderame, FanSided: 12 (+2)

"By beating the Vikings, San Francisco is in prime position to make the playoffs."

As high as No. 10 in NFL power rankings but no lower than 12th, certainly not a bad position to be in considering the struggles the Niners endured earlier this season.

Granted, there are some injuries that’ll be of concern to head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co., including Samuel missing a week or two with a groin injury. Yet San Francisco has seemingly found a regular formula to win that might be able to overcome what the third-year wide receiver has done this season anyway.

In light of the Niners’ next opponent, the 3-8 Seattle Seahawks, perhaps all Shanahan needs to do is stick with the same ball-controlling formula.

It’s not like Seattle’s offense is doing much scoring these days anyway.