The San Francisco 49ers finally got back on the football field after spending two consecutive Sundays as football spectators. There was some doubt what the team might accomplish on Monday night against a Cleveland Browns team coming off a hot win over the Baltimore Ravens and seemingly loaded on offense. How did San Francisco respond?
Domination.
The 49ers walked away with a 31-3 victory in front of the Levi's Stadium crowd and now sit at 4-0 for the first time since 1990. Next up is a showdown with the Los Angeles Rams in Southern California as San Francisco opens up division play.
A lot of people had questions about the Niners during the team's bye week because they didn't get to see the team play. How does the media feel now after an impressive performance on a national stage?
Below is a small sample of some of the more prominent power rankings around the web and where San Francisco stands within each.
CBS Sports
Current Ranking: 2
Previous rank: 3
"Kyle Shanahan has done a great job with this team. The defense has a chance to be special as well. Now they face a big one with the Rams." — Pete Prisco
NFL.com
Current Ranking: 4
Previous rank: 7
"Nick Bosa is a bad man. The No. 2 overall pick announced himself as an NFL star on 'Monday Night Football' against the Browns, stuffing the stat sheet to the tune of two sacks, two tackles for loss, five quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Yes, he planted his flag in more ways than one." — Dan Hanzus
Sports Illustrated
Current Ranking: 5
Previous rank: 11
"One of two unbeaten teams remaining in the NFL, the Niners defense, led by Nick Bosa, smothered the Browns on Monday night. This team is clearly a force to be reckoned with—after some lack of clarity with wins over the Bucs, Bengals and Steelers followed by an early bye week—and Week 6 will be a huge test." — The MMQB Staff
ESPN
Current Ranking: 6
Previous rank: 8
"Mostert rewarded San Francisco's belief in him by averaging nearly 6 yards per carry in the first three games, but with Coleman back, it's fair to wonder where Mostert fits in. Expect the Niners to keep getting Mostert opportunities, but it's hard to project consistent touches in a talented room that also includes Matt Breida." — Nick Wagoner
USA Today
Current Ranking: 6
Previous rank: 8
"NFC's final undefeated squad further legitimized after manhandling Browns during rookie Nick Bosa's coming-out party (2 sacks, forced fumble, fumble recovery)." — Nate Davis
Pro Football Focus has not yet released its power rankings.
