NFL Week 2 Power Rankings: 49ers Rise after Monday Night Victory

Sep 16, 2015 at 06:29 AM

A season-opening, 20-3 victory over the Minnesota Vikings has prompted national news outlets to reconsider their preseason expectations for the San Francisco 49ers.

Here's where the 49ers stand in various power rankings entering their Week 2 road contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Yahoo Sports – 21st

Previous ranking: 24th

Frank Schwab: "It's possible the defense is really good, and Pierre Garçon is a stud. Safety Antoine Bethea played as good of an all-around game as you'll see a safety have. The entire offseason isn't erased because of one game, but it was promising."

Fox Sports – 15th

Previous ranking: 24th

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Dan Schneier:](http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/power-rankings) "NaVorro Bowman is back and looking good in an Eric Mangini defense that has more talent than naysayers assumed. New offensive coordinator Geep Chryst has tailored the offense to fit Colin Kaepernick's skill set and operate through budding superstar running back Carlos Hyde. The 49ers were Week 1's biggest surprise."

CBS Sports – 11th

Previous ranking: 23rd

Pat Kirwan: "With all the departures in the offseason it seemed like there was little hope for this franchise under new head coach Jim Tomsula. All I heard from the 49ers players this summer was the guys will play hard for Tomsula and that they did in the 20-3 opening game win. Let's see if they can keep it going."

USA TODAY – 18th

Previous ranking: 28th

Staff: "Perhaps stories of their demise were premature."

NFL.com – 21st

Previous ranking: 27th

Elliot Harrison: "After an offseason of tumult, departures and doom-and-gloom prognostications, what a way to open the season! In case you missed it, Carlos Hyde ran 20 times for 365 yards and eight touchdowns. And that front seven everyone felt sorry for all offseason put its stamp on the game, racking up five sacks and making third down a living hell for the Vikings. (Oh, and here are Hyde's real numbers.)"

SB Nation – 16th

Previous ranking: 22nd

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Danny Kelly:](http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/9/15/9326537/nfl-power-rankings-week-2-seahawks-packers-patriots) "The Niners shrugged off an offseason of negativity and despite a shaky first half, wore the Vikings down in the second to run away with a big Week 1 win. Perhaps Jim Tomsula can turn this team around."

New York Daily News – 19th

Previous ranking: 26th

Hank Gola: "Niners manage to block out all the distractions. Definitely not as bad as advertised. Hello, Carlos Hyde."

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