The San Francisco 49ers continue to draw strong national respect heading into the 2026 NFL offseason, landing at No. 6 in ESPN’s first “way-too-early” power rankings.
While the team fell short of a championship run last season, their consistency under head coach Kyle Shanahan and ability to overcome adversity kept them firmly among the league’s top contenders.
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San Francisco put together another impressive campaign in 2025, reaching 13 wins for the fourth time during Shanahan’s tenure.
The season wasn’t without challenges. Injuries once again tested the depth of the roster, forcing younger players into key roles and reshaping both sides of the ball.
Still, the 49ers rallied late in the year, gaining momentum at the right time and pulling off a road playoff victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles before eventually falling in the Divisional Round to the Seattle Seahawks, who went on to win it all.
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ESPN’s ranking places the 49ers ahead of several respected teams, including the Detroit Lions, Eagles, Green Bay Packers, and Kansas City Chiefs.
Only the Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks rank higher in the early projections, underscoring that San Francisco is still viewed as a legitimate contender entering 2026.
Analysts point to the emergence of quarterback Brock Purdy and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir as cornerstones for the franchise moving forward.
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However, the consensus is that the 49ers must continue building around that core to keep pace with the NFL’s evolving talent landscape.
Improving the defensive front will likely top the offseason priority list. The pass rush took a noticeable step back last season after injuries sidelined Nick Bosa and rookie edge rusher Mykel Williams.
Their expected returns should help stabilize the defense, but adding interior line help could be critical to restoring the unit’s disruptive identity.
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The wide receiver position also looms as an area needing attention. Jauan Jennings is approaching free agency following two productive years and may command a contract beyond San Francisco’s comfort level.
Ricky Pearsall remains a promising option but has dealt with durability concerns early in his career, and with Brandon Aiyuk no longer in the picture, additional receiving firepower will likely be sought through the draft, trades, or free agency.
Despite the roster questions, the 49ers enter the offseason in a favorable position. They possess cap flexibility, a solid draft pick inventory, and an established coaching structure that has consistently delivered winning seasons.
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Those factors, combined with a proven quarterback and strong defensive foundation, keep expectations high.
If San Francisco can address its roster gaps effectively, ESPN’s early No. 6 ranking may end up looking conservative.