49ers Still Near Bottom in Analysts' Week 13 NFL Power Rankings
The San Francisco 49ers nearly upset the Miami Dolphins last week, but this wasn’t enough to sway most analysts in Week 13 NFL power rankings. What are the experts saying?
The San Francisco 49ers were just a yard away from possibly tying things up against the Miami Dolphins in Week 12, only to fall 31-24 when quarterback Colin Kaepernick was tackled on a scramble at the one-yard line.
Such is the fate for the Niners this year — still losing even if they manage to play well.
At 1-10, San Francisco is now riding the longest losing streak in franchise history. Based off the record alone, it’s easy to see why most analysts from around the league have the 49ers right where they are, at No. 31 in NFL power rankings.
Kaepernick played well enough to guide his team to a win. It’s a trend we’ve seen over the last four weeks — shown in the video above — and not lost on included power-ranking takes.
But that’s not enough to save San Francisco from being a bottom-dwelling franchise right now.
So what do the experts have to say? Let’s take a look.
Elliot Harrison, NFL.com: 31 (even)
Nov 27, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) walks out to the field prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN Stats & Information: 31 (even)
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 31 (even)
Cameron DaSilva, Fox Sports: 28 (+2)
Frank Schwab, Yahoo! Sports: 31 (even)
USA Today Sports: 29 (+1)
Chris Simms, Bleacher Report: 31 (even)
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Peter Panacy, Niner Noise: 29 (+2)
Yes, Kaepernick’s performance might be enough to convince some analysts the Niners might be worth moving up in power rankings a spot or two. But it’s more than just the quarterback right now.
San Francisco’s defense, while bad, managed to do some good things against the Dolphins running game, namely Jay Ajayi. Holding him to 2.5 yards a carry is a good step for a run defense, which was on pace to set historic highs — not the good ones — this season.
Now the focus is on ending that losing streak. The 49ers face a very winnable game on the road against the 2-9 Chicago Bears in Week 13.