NFL Power Rankings: Steelers climbing the ladder heading into Week 6

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18). Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18). Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt (99) tackles San Francisco 49ers. Mandatory Credit: Chris Coduto-USA TODAY Sports /

. San Francisco 49ers. 11. team. 42. .

11. San Francisco 49ers

Because their division is so strong and they have the shakiest quarterback situation in the AFC West, it’s not a major surprise to see the 49ers currently at the bottom of their division with a  2-3 record. However, San Francisco is a better team than their record suggests.

Sadly, nagging injuries to both Jimmy Garappolo and Trey Lance complicate things going forward. Even with a quarterback change, the 49ers have been a slightly above-average offense with their defense much of the same.

Though it seems like they should be lower on the power rankings, they have faced three very difficult opponents in a row. Losing by one score or less in each. They should have beaten the Packers if they didn’t leave 30+ seconds on the clock for Aaron Rodgers to get back in field goal range to win the game as time expired.

The strength of schedule is worth noting here, and the 49ers will have to prove they can beat some very talented football teams if they want to advance further in the rankings. If they fail to do so in the coming weeks, they could be one of the biggest fallers in NFL power rankings.