49ers back in top 10 of FanSided NFL power rankings after win vs. Rams

The 49ers were in need of a statement win, and they got one on Monday night versus the Rams, putting the Niners back high in NFL power rankings.

In the wake of their Week 3 primetime loss to the Denver Broncos, the San Francisco 49ers looked nothing like a playoff team. Perhaps a team that could boast a solid defense but also had an underachieving offense.

So, it wasn’t too shocking to see a 1-2 Niners team go down into the middle of the pack in NFL power rankings entering Week 4. The talent was there, yes, but the overall performance wasn’t.

While San Francisco’s Week 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams was anything but a must-win game, given the nature of the NFC West and the fact the Niners could have either been in first or last place within the division depending on if they won or lost, the outcome was nevertheless important.

San Francisco’s talent ultimately won out on Monday Night Football in Week 4, head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad pulling off a convincing 24-9 victory over its Southern California rivals. And that star power, players like wide receiver Deebo Samuel and EDGE Nick Bosa, sparked the 49ers’ bounce-back win.

Behind that, the Niners easily climb up in NFL power rankings entering Week 5.

49ers back in top 10 of FanSided NFL power rankings

Some may think San Francisco deserves to be ranked higher in NFL power rankings than the No. 10 spot, which is where FanSided NFL insider Matt Verderame placed them in response to Week 4.

If that describes you, take comfort in knowing NFL.com’s power rankings boosted the 49ers up to No. 5, so there’s that to chew on.

Still, Verderame moved the Niners up from the No. 14 spot in NFL power rankings, acknowledging some of the offensive challenges they’ve had but also recognizing their chances to make the postseason by writing, “The Niners have their offensive deficiencies, but this is a contender.”

And while there’s not “power of victory” in the NFL, and each win or loss counts the same as another, beating the Super Bowl champion Rams should make San Francisco feel much better about itself after two ugly losses in three games to begin the season.