The San Francisco 49ers are 2-0 and tied for the lead in the NFC West. With a second divisional win on Sunday, the 49ers have a chance to start 3-0 for just the sixth time since 1990. Los Angeles, Arizona, and San Francisco all share the lead for the NFC West with a critical matchup with potential tie-breaker implications between the Cardinals and 49ers on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
After notching consecutive NFC road victories, the 49ers have won two gritty games, but how does the national media view them?
ESPN.com: The 49ers inch closer to the top ten at number 11
After the win in the Big Easy, the 49ers jump three spots to number 11, just ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals, who are missing their starting QB as well. Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com believes the 49ers have confidence in Mac Jones during Brock Purdy’s absence.
“When Brock Purdy missed two games with injury in 2024, backups Brandon Allen and Joshua Dobbs posted QBRs of 33.2 and 23.4, respectively, and the 49ers lost both games by a combined 51 points. Before Sunday, a quarterback other than Purdy hadn’t started and won with the 49ers since Jimmy Garoppolo in December 2022. But Jones stepped in against the Saints and posted a 67.2 QBR with three touchdown passes. San Francisco hopes to have Purdy back soon from toe and left shoulder injuries, but its confidence in Jones is for real if Purdy has to miss more time.”
NFL.com: San Francisco jumps two spots to number 13
Optimism is riding high for 49ers fans, but Eric Edholm of NFL.com believes the 49ers have much to prove despite their 2-0 start. I’m inclined to agree. However, the 49ers have won both games without playing a complete game in all facets, which I expect to happen sooner rather than later.
I had trouble spotting San Francisco in this pecking order. When I filed last week’s rankings, we still hadn’t received full clarity on Brock Purdy’s injury. If we had, I probably would’ve dropped the 49ers a slot or two in that edition, just as I did when Jordan Love was hurt in Green Bay’s opener a year ago. So, I was prepared to give them a slight downgrade here, even though they just earned a road win with a backup QB. But as it turned out, the rankings wave pushed them up. Mac Jones made some key throws in New Orleans -- even with some mistakes, including the third-quarter fumble that kept the Saints alive. But considering whom he was throwing to, Jones played very well in his first start for San Francisco and can be trusted against Arizona this week if Purdy remains out. Say what you will about the defense, but once again, it kept the opponent in check and made a big play late to seal it. It hasn’t been easy, and the Niners still have a lot to prove, but they are 2-0 with two road victories.
CBSsports.com: Number eight is where the 49ers currently reside
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports is the first analyst to boldly slot the 49ers in the top ten. Prisco kept it simple. The analyst was impressed with the road victory and Mac Jones. Also, the 49ers are just ahead of the Los Angeles Rams.
They are 2-0 with two road victories, one with a backup quarterback. That’s a nice way to start a season. Mac Jones played well against the Saints.
Bleacher Report: The 49ers sit just outside of the top ten at number 11
While the expert panel at Bleacher Report has the Detroit Lions and 49ers as their biggest risers, it wasn’t enough to push the 49ers into the top ten. Brent Sobleski recounts the draft process and smoke around Mac Jones to the 49ers at pick number three.
Once upon a time, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan supposedly wanted quarterback Mac Jones instead of Trey Lance with the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. If the Niners had gone that route, Brock Purdy likely wouldn’t be on the roster. In a twist of fate, Jones is now Purdy’s backup and in San Francisco’s lineup due to a toe injury to the starter.
Jones played well in his first start with the 49ers. He threw three touchdowns, which gives the coaching staff options depending on Purdy’s progression.
Currently, Purdy is on a week-to-week schedule. He may be able to play in Week 3. It’s quite possible that head coach Kyle Shanahan keeps Jones in the lineup for another couple of weeks just to make sure Purdy is fully healthy.
Pro Football Talk: The 49ers jump four spots to number 12
Sunday was an opportunity for Mac Jones to prove his worth as a starter in the NFL, and he made a convincing case. While Sam Darnold technically “resurrected” his career in San Francisco, he started in a meaningless Week 18 game in 2023. Jones was tasked with winning in New Orleans without George Kittle or Brandon Aiyuk. A few more performances like Sunday, and Jones will have multiple suitors in the offseason. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk drove the point home, saying, “Mac Jones might play his way into another chance to be a starter.”
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