Last week, Cantor Technology released the early spreads for every regular season NFL game through week 16. The San Francisco 49ers were one of two teams that were not favored in any of the games on their schedule.
The 49ers did slightly better than the Cleveland Browns, who were underdogs during each matchup through 16 weeks. There was no favorite for three of the 49ers' home games in 2016. Those opponents were the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, and New York Jets.
The 49ers didn't fare as well – which is tough to believe – when Pro Football Focus released its ranking of NFL team rosters. San Francisco came in dead last, behind even the Browns, who many consider to be the worst team of 2016.
Pro Football Focus states the following as the method of ranking via ESPN.
To determine the rankings, we took the past two years of PFF data and, giving the 2015 season more weight, averaged out the grades for each roster. Then we added a closer evaluation for added context, which allowed us, for example, to reward teams that have an excellent quarterback situation but a relative hole along the defensive line when it came to run defense
While the 49ers still have talent on the roster with players like OT Joe Staley and ILB NaVorro Bowman, Pro Football Focus attributed the team's lack of depth as the reason for the last place ranking.
The 49ers are heading into the 2016 with their third head coach in as many years. The team finished 5-11 last season under then head coach Jim Tomsula. Chip Kelly, who has had success in college and the NFL, is their new head coach. The team kicks off a mandatory minicamp this week.
What do you think of the ranking? Are the 49ers really the worst roster in the league?
