NFL Power Rankings Week 1: Kansas City Chiefs set the tone
By Will Lomas
4. San Francisco 49ers
-It is time to go with the power rankings consensus here with these next four. It isn’t very exciting, but how can you argue with any of these teams.
The 49ers have the best defensive line of this elite tier, but that just isn’t enough to get them any higher when you look at the collective talents of each group. Still, that doesn’t mean that the 49ers aren’t poised for a repeat trip to the Super Bowl.
With elite pass-rushing talent and great coaches on both sides of the ball, this team will go as far as Jimmy G can take them and maybe that is further than we think considering he was just a few plays away from a ring last year.
3. New Orleans Saints
-The 49ers dominated the defensive line conversation, but the Saints dominated the offensive line conversation as well as this tier’s best QB/WR tandem.
The offense is set up by good scheme and good QB play, but don’t underestimate the weapons that they have on that roster in Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara, both of which are threats to take over any game they want.
On top of all that talent, there is a desperation to this team that became clear when they tried to sign Jadeveon Clowney by hook or by crook. Nothing is scarier than an animal backed into a corner and the Saints know that they are watching their championship window close in front of them.
That makes them very dangerous.