The San Francisco 49ers shocked a lot of people by knocking off the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. It wasn't the fact that the Niners won that shocked critics, it was how they did it. The Kyle Shanahan-led squad absolutely dominated what was considered to be a very good Packers team, winning 37-8 at Levi's Stadium.
"That's a pretty darn good football team," Packers coach Matt LaFleur said after the game. "I'm disappointed with myself, with how we got out-coached, and we got out-played."
The game was the start of a much-discussed three-game stretch against division-leading opponents. Next up are road games against the Baltimore Ravens and then the New Orleans Saints.
The 49ers' next opponent, by the way, is ranked at No. 1 within most of these power rankings, so Sunday's clash of the NFL titans could say a lot about both squads.
Below is a sample of some of the more prominent power rankings around the web and where San Francisco currently stands within each.
Current Ranking: 1
Previous rank: 1
"They're No. 1 in the Power Rankings for a reason. The 49ers welcomed one of the best teams in the NFL into their building and made the Packers look like an XFL expansion franchise. [...] The Packers won't admit as much, but the last thing they want to do is return to Levi's Stadium for a playoff rematch. It's the type of butt-whipping that leaves mental scars with the opposition." — Dan Hanzus
Sports Illustrated
Current Ranking: 2
Previous rank: 3
"The 49ers dominated what is supposed to be one of their toughest NFC foes come January, further solidifying this is the team to beat in the NFC (I know, Seahawks fans, but they're winning your division too). It's thanks to a defense that would be leading the league most other seasons, and they completely shut down Rodgers while holding the Packers' 13-ranked offense under 200 total yards." — The MMQB Staff
CBS Sports
Current Ranking: 3
Previous rank: 3
"They just beat the daylights out of the Packers. They dominated in every facet of the game. They are legit, but we'll know how legit after they play at Baltimore and at New Orleans." — Pete Prisco
ESPN
Current Ranking: 3
Previous rank: 3
"The Niners have shocked the football world by jumping out to a 10-1 start. Though the defense has been the focal point, it has taken a complete effort from the players and coaches to make it happen. This is a team that has unwavering confidence in what it can do when all three phases complement one another, which has yielded a group that looks every bit the part of a legitimate Super Bowl contender." — Nick Wagoner
USA Today
Current Ranking: 3
Previous rank: 5
"Despite most impressive showing of season, won't be easy retaining NFC's top seed with trips to Baltimore, New Orleans and Seattle looming." — Nate Davis
