NFL Power Rankings 2020 preseason: Where do LA Rams fall?

Team 4 – San Francisco 49ers (13-3)

The San Francisco 49ers played a very favorable schedule last season. this year, they face the NFL’s best teams.  Tougher sledding, a mediocre quarterback, and some key players lost or transitioned to new unfamiliar players could prove to be a greater challenge.

2019 summary

The San Francisco 49ers had a great defense in 2019, and good running game, and enough going on in the passing attack between tight end George Kittle and WR Deebo Samuel to win a lot of games.  Of course, staying healthier than other teams was a big difference as well. The 49ers rely heavily upon their fast pass rush. As teams learn how to counter that, they’ll fall back to earth. For today, they’ll remain high in the clouds.

Players lost

The San Francisco 49ers lost WR Emmanuel Sanders, TE Levine Tollolo, and DT Sheldon Day. But the bigger losses happened when the 49ers traded star defensive lineman DeForest Buckner, as well as lost OT Joe Staley to retirement.

Players added

The 49ers wasted no time in refilling roster holes, as the team traded for Washington’s OT Trent Williams, and drafted WR Brandon Aiyuk and DT Javon Kinlaw.   While the team may drop a bit due to rookies, the 49ers believe the team will in the hunt for a second run at the Super Bowl.

2020 outlook

As injuries go, the 49ers were devasted in 2018 but remained intact in 2019.  Will injuries return to haunt the team? Two players have already fallen to broken bones and training camp has not even started.  The 49ers’ success in 2019 was as much about endurance as star power. If injuries return, and early signs are that is what is happening, this team is just 8-8.