Power rankings roundup: The 49ers are as high as No. 2 and as low as No. 7

We will find out who the 49ers are during the next three weeks. Through two weeks, they’ve won two games on the road against teams that will finish middle-of-the-pack or worse.

You can only play who is on your schedule. At different times during both games, the Niners have shown flashes of who they could become. Once San Francisco puts it all together, lookout.

Here’s a roundup of power rankings from this week.

Week 3 NFL Power Rankings 2021: 1-32 poll, plus every team’s most pleasant surprise fantasy player

4. San Francisco 49ers (2-0)

Previous ranking: 7

Fantasy surprise: WR Deebo Samuel

It’s not really a surprise that Samuel is productive. It’s more surprising just how productive he has been through the first two weeks. Samuel has 282 receiving yards, which is the third most by any 49er through two weeks in franchise history. On a team that has other dynamic pass-catchers such as tight end George Kittle and wideout Brandon Aiyuk, Samuel has established himself as Jimmy Garoppolo’s favorite target. And after an offseason spent working on strengthening his body to stay healthier, there’s little reason to believe Samuel is going to slow down much so long as his good health continues. — Nick Wagoner

My question is can the 49ers continue to operate with only Deebo contributing in the passing game? I doubt that’ll be the plan moving forward.

NFL Power Rankings, Week 3: Cardinals, Raiders rise; Seahawks slip

Rank 7

San Francisco 49ers 2-0

Previous rank: No. 9

We don’t know how Trey Lance is developing behind the scenes in the eyes of the 49ers, but it’s fair to wonder what Kyle Shanahan really thinks about Jimmy Garoppolo leading his offense. Is it similar to the thoughts that apparently danced through the head of Sean McVay as he watched Jared Goff a year ago? Garoppolo struggled mightily for stretches of a 17-11 win over the Eagles — a game in which the Niners couldn’t even produce a first down until the second quarter. It worked in Week 2 because the Eagles are a work-in-progress in their own right, but will this win-ugly version of KyleBall work when the competition stiffens? A Sunday night matchup against the Packers could provide some clarity.

Based on how the Packers play defense, I’d expect we see a bit of Lance Sunday night. I agree with this game providing more clarity. The Packers will tell us a lot about the 49ers' defense.

NFL Power Rankings Week 3: Denver Broncos, 3 NFC West teams in the top 5

5) San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers were far less explosive offensively than the Eagles. Jimmy Garoppolo struggled before turning it around in the second half.

Both of San Francisco’s touchdown drives went over 12 plays and took four-plus minutes to complete. They also had an 11-play drive that did not bear fruit due to a blocked field goal.

NFL Power Rankings: Maybe this is the season someone challenges Chiefs in AFC West

2. San Francisco 49ers (2-0, LW: 3)

The offense carried a Week 1 win. In Week 2, it was a defensive gem. At some point both sides will both dominate for a stretch. About the only issue for the 49ers now is finding a healthy running back to face Green Bay in Week 3.

That’s a great point. We have yet to see the team clicking in all three phases. What better way to do so during your home opener?

NFL Power Rankings: There’s the Buccaneers, Then There’s Everyone Else

The Contenders

7. San Francisco 49ers (2-0)

8. Arizona Cardinals (2-0)

9. Las Vegas Raiders (2-0)

10. Tennessee Titans (1-1)

11. Seattle Seahawks (1-1)

12. Dallas Cowboys (1-1)

13. Denver Broncos (2-0)

14. Carolina Panthers (2-0)

15. New England Patriots (1-1)

16. Green Bay Packers (1-1)

NFL Power Rankings, Week 3: New No. 1 and a QB Confidence Meter after a rash of injuries

4. San Francisco 49ers (2-0)

Previous rank: T-5

Week 2 result: Beat the Eagles, 17-11

QB Confidence Meter: 3

Jimmy Garoppolo’s numbers are reflective of what the 49ers can be — 22-of-30 for 189 yards, one touchdown, no picks in a defensive-dominant win. That worked against the Eagles, but Trey Lance is here to take the 49ers and Kyle Shanahan’s offense to another level. We haven’t seen enough of Lance yet to know what that can mean, but we have seen plenty of Garoppolo running this offense to know what that ceiling is.