Rich Eisen of the NFL Network. (Getty)

Despite battling injuries last season, the San Francisco 49ers found a way to go 12-5 in 2025. However, they were bounced in the divisional round by the eventual Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks. In search of winning their first Super Bowl in over three decades, the 49ers are preparing for what could be a historic season this year.

Although there are some who don’t know what to make of the team. One of those people is longtime host Rich Eisen. While he sees the potential and knows how consistent this team has been under head coach Kyle Shanahan, he believes the Niners are the ninth-best team as things stand right now.

The San Francisco 49ers Get a Low Ranking

Getty49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was hired back in 2017.

Here is what Eisen had to say about why he put the 49ers at ninth on his way-too-early power rankings:

“This team has got to get better…They damn near were the one seed in the NFC…I’d put them higher. I just don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Eisen, like a lot of NFL fans, has seen this movie before with the 49ers. One of the best rosters in the NFL, San Francisco, on paper, appears to be a true Super Bowl contender. However, they tend to end up being one of the most injured teams in the league. They ran out of steam last postseason when they had to face an elite Seahawks squad without three of their All-Pro players in Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and George Kittle.

Still, Shanahan has guided the team to five 10-win seasons and multiple Super Bowl appearances. The potential is there for this team to compete for a title this season.

Mike Evans Completes 49ers’ Offense

GettyThe 49ers signed Mike Evans to a three-year deal this offseason.

The 49ers made a major move this offseason by signing future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans. That was a move that signified how hungry GM John Lynch was to bring a Super Bowl back to the Bay Area. One of the most productive wide receivers of the last decade, he will take over as the team’s No. 1 wide receiver on the depth chart. Not only did the Niners get Evans, but they signed former 1,000-yard wide receiver Christian Kirk, as well.

At best, this 49ers offense has a chance to be one of the best with its current personnel. Pro Bowl quarterback Brock Purdy, All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey, Evans, Kirk, Kittle, and second-round wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling should make up a Super Bowl-caliber offense.

Standing in their way are the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC West. All three teams won at least 12 games last season. They each figure to be major players in the Super Bowl conversation this season. But again, keep an eye on what the Niners will do with their new pieces on the offensive side. At the end of the day, doubting Shanahan and Co. would be a mistake by anybody.