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The San Francisco 49ers dropped to 1-1 this week, and the return of NFL power rankings means the team slipped a bit. Power rankings don't impact anything of significance, but it is always interesting to see how the national media view the team in the context of the rest of the NFL.
The changes are not shocking, with Denver and Seattle hanging at the top of most rankings. The Cincinnati Bengals are the biggest consistent riser, appearing in the top 3 or 4 of our small composite of rankings. The Arizona Cardinals have climbed as well, with Pete Prisco in particular buying heavy on them. The Cardinals are not a bad football team, but through two weeks, I don't think anybody can say anything other than that with much confidence. They could prove to be as good as they were last year, but I honestly don't know.
This week, the 49ers and Cardinals face off. This is a huge game for both teams. The 49ers are not in a must-win situation because it is still only Week 3. It would be a very disappointing loss, but it is not the end of the world. For the Cardinals, it is also not a must-win game, but a win at home over the 49ers would go a long to telling us just how this team stacks up.
Here are a few power rankings. The Seahawks and Broncos generally lead the way. I'm a little surprised the Eagles moved up in some considering how they looked in the first half against the Jaguars. I don't think that half represents the team we'll see this season, but they need to show some improvement.
1. Denver Broncos (2)
2. Seattle Seahawks (1)
3. Cincinnati Bengals (7)
4. Carolina Panthers (13)
5. San Francisco 49ers (3)
1. Denver Broncos (1)
2. Cincinnati Bengals (3)
3. Arizona Cardinals (7)
4. Seattle Seahawks (2)
4. Carolina Panthers (18)
6. Philadelphia Eagles (8)
7. New England Patriots (9)
8. San Francisco 49ers (4)
1. Denver Broncos
2. Seattle Seahawks
3. Cincinnati Bengals
4. Carolina Panthers
5. Philadelphia Eagles
6. New England Patriots
7. Arizona Cardinals
8. San Francisco 49ers
1. Denver Broncos (3)
2. Seattle Seahawks (2)
3. New England Patriots (4)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (7)
5. Philadelphia Eagles (6)
6. Carolina Panthers (9)
7. San Francisco 49ers (1)