In the grand scheme of things, NFL power rankings don't mean a whole lot. They do, however, provide a good indication of the perception of each team by the media and their chances for success in the regular-season weeks ahead. Still, the games need to be played, the rankings will fluctuate, and they will look very different headed into Week 17 than they do before Week 1.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo returns to the lineup after suffering a torn ACL early during last season. The 49ers added some young weapons at wide receiver via the draft and bolstered the running backs group with the addition of veteran Tevin Coleman.
On defense, San Francisco improved its pass rush with the addition of veteran Dee Ford and rookie Nick Bosa. Kwon Alexander inserts himself into a young but seemingly capable group of linebackers.
The 49ers' first test will come on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
Below is a small sample of some of the more prominent power rankings around the web and where the 49ers stand within each.
USA Today
Current Ranking: 15
"Appears QB Jimmy Garoppolo coming around in return from knee injury. Sadly, same couldn't be said of RB Jerick McKinnon, who's back on IR." — Nate Davis
Sports Illustrated
Current Ranking: 19
"Jerick McKinnon hitting the IR for a second straight season is a tough break for the team. Will Garoppolo finally reach his potential this year?" — The MMQB Staff
CBS Sports
Current Ranking: 23
"This is a big year for Jimmy Garoppolo coming off the torn ACL. They are the third team in their division behind the Rams and Seahawks." — Pete Prisco
Pro Football Focus
Current Ranking: 23
"The 49ers have a scary defensive line, are led by a head coach with the reputation to be one of the better offensive minds in the league, get back their starting quarterback and are due for some positive turnover regression on defense [...] If everything clicks, they can rise up these rankings in a heartbeat." — Kevin Cole and Timo Riske
NFL.com
Current Ranking: 24
"Don't be surprised to see (Matt) Breida finish in the top 10 in all-purpose yardage this season." — Dan Hanzus