Typically one bad week is enough to push a team down the NFL power rankings. That’s not the case for the 49ers in USA TODAY Sports’ rankings though. They’re still sitting at No. 1 after losing to the Browns 19-17 in Cleveland.
It’s clear they chewed up any margin for error they had though to hold the top spot which they’ve held since blowing out Pittsburgh in the season opener, and injuries suffered in Week 6 could put them in further jeopardy of a slide. Here’s USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis:
Way too premature to suggest they got exposed against the league’s No. 1 defense – especially amid circumstances when you’d expect QB Brock Purdy to have his worst professional game given the staggered absences Sunday of injured Pro Bowlers Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and Trent Williams around him. Depending on the injuries, there could be an extended setback here, but almost certainly not one that signals the Niners are in major jeopardy.
The point he makes at the end is the important one for the 49ers. If any of Samuel, Williams or McCaffrey miss extended time it turns San Francisco’s already tough schedule into something of an uphill climb.
Fortunately for the 49ers it doesn’t sound like Samuel or Williams is dealing with anything long-term. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said they’re both day-to-day. He didn’t specify Samuel’s injury and said Williams avoided a high ankle sprain.
The club is still awaiting word on Christian McCaffrey’s rib/oblique issue that knocked him out of Sunday’s game. When Shanahan spoke with reporters Monday the star RB was still getting his MRI.
If the 49ers can avoid major injury out of Week 6, it puts them in a good position to hang on to the No. 1 ranking going into its Week 9 bye. If they have to survive without any of that trio though, things get dicey on the road in Minnesota and at home vs. the Bengals.
Rounding out the top five are the Lions, who jumped one spot up to No. 2. They’re followed by the Chiefs, Eagles and Bills.
