The national power rankings finally agree. There is no more debate. You have to include the San Francisco 49ers while discussing which teams are the two best in the NFL.
San Francisco's exciting 48-46 road victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday seems to have convinced the team's lingering doubters. The overall belief is that the Baltimore Ravens, who edged the 49ers during Week 13, are the best team in the league. Right behind them is the Kyle Shanahan-led squad.
San Francisco once again sits atop the NFC with an 11-2 record and control their home-field-advantage-throughout-the-playoffs destiny. They will need to finish the season strong. Their upcoming opponents are the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams at home, and then a rematch of the Week 10 battle at Levi's Stadium against the Seattle Seahawks, this time at CenturyLink Field.
The 49ers didn't escape Week 14 injury-free. The team lost center Weston Richburg to a torn patellar tendon and will be without cornerback Richard Sherman and defensive end Dee Ford for multiple weeks.
Below is a sample of some of the more prominent power rankings around the web and where San Francisco currently stands within each.
NFL.com
Current Ranking: 2
Previous rank: 3
"If the 49ers end up hoisting the Lombardi in February, Sunday will be remembered as the day they proved their championship mettle. The Niners outlasted the Saints in an epic 48-46 shootout at the Superdome. It was -- yeah, I'll say it -- The Game Of The Year. Heroes were plentiful, but let's start with Jimmy Garoppolo, who never blinked in a treacherous road setting." — Dan Hanzus
Sports Illustrated
Current Ranking: 2
Previous rank: 2
"Another strong showing from the Niners and another game-winning drive for Jimmy G, this time covering 49 yards in seven plays with under a minute to go. Robbie Gould, a perfect 6/6 on XPs and 2/2 on FGs, had the pleasure of icing it, and Emmanuel Sanders had a huge game (seven catches, 157 yards, TD) punctuated by this 35-yard gem of a touchdown pass thrown on the run." — The MMQB Staff
CBS Sports
Current Ranking: 2
Previous rank: 4
"Winning that shootout against the Saints is a good thing. They needed to see that from Jimmy Garoppolo." — Pete Prisco
ESPN
Current Ranking: 2
Previous rank: 2
"With Kyle Shanahan in charge, a strong offense was always expected, but the Niners' defense might be the biggest surprise of any unit in the league -- the rough outing against the Saints notwithstanding. Many expected the 49ers' defense to take a step forward in 2019 after adding the likes of Kwon Alexander, Dee Ford, and Nick Bosa, but there were still questions about the secondary. The Niners have answered those questions, and this group has been the backbone of the team, winning games even when the offense has sputtered." — Nick Wagoner
USA Today
Current Ranking: 2
Previous rank: 4
"Emmanuel Sanders, first 49er to throw a TD pass and catch one in the same NFL game, has been a big factor in this offense finding new level." — Nate Davis