NFL Power Rankings: Are the 49ers the League's Worst Team Entering Week 7?
As anticipated, the San Francisco 49ers aren’t going to climb out of the bottom of NFL power rankings entering Week 7. Following a 45-16 embarrassing loss to the Buffalo Bills, one has to wonder if the Niners are the league’s worst team.
The San Francisco 49ers don’t have the worse record in the NFL after six weeks (thank you, Cleveland Browns).
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But the Niners’ 1-5 mark and 45-16 drubbing at the hands of the Buffalo Bills last week certainly does nothing to help head coach Chip Kelly’s squad climb out of the depths of NFL power rankings this week.
San Francisco’s run defense, last in the league, gave up a whopping 312 yards on the ground on Sunday. And while the majority of Niners focus centered around quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s return, the real problem with this group has been the defense.
Or lack thereof.
Bill running back LeSean McCoy torched the 49ers defense at ease. And it’s been a trend for San Francisco ever since they were able to limit tailback Todd Gurley and the Los Angeles Rams way back in Week 1.
And that seems oh-so long ago.
So what are experts from around the NFL saying in their latest power rankings as the Niners limp back home to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7?
Elliot Harrison, NFL.com: 30 (-1)
Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) walks off the field after a game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Buffalo beat San Francisco 45-16. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN Stats & Information: 31 (even)
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 31 (even)
Cameron DaSilva, Fox Sports: 31 (even)
USA Today Sports: 31 (-1)
Frank Schwab, Yahoo! Sports: 32 (-3)
Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Mike Gillislee (35) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) during the second half at New Era Field. Buffalo beat San Francisco 45-16. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Simms, Bleacher Report: 32 (-2)
So only two of the aforementioned power rankings list the 49ers dead last in the league this week.
But what Bleacher Report’s Chris Simms and Yahoo! Sports’ Frank Schwab say about the Niners, in comparison to the Browns, is awfully true — San Francisco isn’t playing hard, let alone with talent.
Schwab broke it down even further:
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And here we are. The Niners lack talent, schemes are in question and the franchise is seemingly headed in no discernible direction.
To make things worse, San Francisco has one less win at this point in the year than it did under one-and-done head coach Jim Tomsula in 2015.
Sit tight, 49ers fans. It’s going to be a long rest of the season.
All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com, Sports-Reference.com and ESPN.com unless otherwise indicated.