ESPN's Stephen A. Smith has been very critical of the San Francisco 49ers this season. Maybe "critical" isn't the correct word. He's had his doubts. None have been more apparent than his refusal to believe in quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who he absolutely refuses to stop calling "Porn Star Jimmy."
Doubts aside, Smith just ranked the 49ers No. 1 on his ranking of the top NFL teams, above both the New Orleans Saints and the New England Patriots. Of course, he may just be following the lead of most Week 10 power rankings, which have San Francisco taking over the top spot this week.
RELATED Jerry Rice to Stephen A. Smith: Jimmy Garoppolo will lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl LIV win
"You deserve to be recognized as a top team in the National Football League because that defense is real," Smith loudly expressed. "It is surreal. Obviously, you've got a top running game. Kittle is a bad boy at the tight end spot.
"I still don't know about 'Porn Star Jimmy,' but I'll find out about him. He's the lone question mark for the San Francisco 49ers right now. I'm [going to] give it where it's due."
Smith does note one caveat to the 49ers' placement on his ranking.
RELATED Stephen A. Smith goes on a rant about 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo following win vs. Cardinals
"My list is mobile," Smith said. "It moves. It's fluid."
That means just because San Francisco is in his top spot this week, that doesn't necessarily mean Smith believes they will win it all. He makes it clear that he isn't admitting that. Why list them there if you don't believe they are capable of being the last team standing at the end of the season? Who knows?
Smith recently questioned Jerry Rice after the Hall of Fame wide receiver said Garoppolo and the 49ers would win Super Bowl LIV.
For now, the 49ers are No. 1 within his ranking. That may have simply resulted from San Francisco being the last remaining undefeated team in the NFL.