The 49ers have a tough test in the coming weeks. Their next three games consist of the Green Bay Packers at home, and then road games against the Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints. All three of those teams are 8-2, and this stretch may be the most difficult of San Francisco's season.
Sanders believes the 49ers are just finding their footing and will improve with the return of Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle. Plus, he likes what he sees from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who he says is "coming into his own."
Oh, and there's a pretty good defense in San Francisco, too, and it travels well.
"These guys are just starting to gel," Sanders said on NFL Network after Sunday's game. "These next several games are going to be a test for them, wholeheartedly, but you're going to see what they consist of. You're going to see what makes them who they are.
"They have the leadership. They have the coaching staff. They have everybody from the front office on one accord. I like these guys. I really do."
The 49ers opened the week as three-point favorites against the Packers in what should be one of the better matchups of Week 12.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers lose projected starting DT Alfred Collins to season-ending injury
The San Francisco 49ers received devastating news this week: they will be without one of their projected starters on the defensive front for the entire 2026 season. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that second-year defensive tackle Alfred Collins tore his patellar... -
NFL exec says 49ers are average in a lot of spots: "There is something missing with that group"
The San Francisco 49ers have plenty of star power. That isn't really up for debate. Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Mike Evans, Nick Bosa, and Fred Warner are among the biggest names in the NFL. But one NFL executive apparently believes the 49ers have a problem... -
49ers vs. Rams: Nick Bosa says he's '100% ready to go,' reveals message to Alfred Collins
Defensive end Nick Bosa expects to be on the field with his San Francisco 49ers teammates when they face the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. The 49ers held their final full practice of the week Wednesday afternoon (Tuesday night in the United States). Afterward, Bosa... -
Kyle Shanahan reveals his thoughts on 49ers-Rams, Australia ahead of Week 1
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters before Sunday's (Monday in Melbourne) practice at AAMI Park as the team prepares for its Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. Here's everything Shanahan had to say ahead of the...