NFL Power Rankings Week 11: 49ers Retain No. 1 Spot Despite Loss
Monday night's matchup between NFC west division rivals San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks was one for the books. It was easily one of the best games produced in 2019 so far. The hype was well warranted for the game as it went down to the final seconds in overtime. Seattle was able to escape Levi's Stadium with victory to give the 49ers their first blemish of the season.
Now that the 49ers are no longer undefeated, you would figure that their spot in the latest NFL power ranking in week 11 would descend. However, the 49ers retain their top spot at No. 1 despite the loss. If you really think about it, the 49ers didn't deserve to fall from No. 1. If Chase McLaughlin makes that kick in overtime following Russell Wilson's interception, then the 49ers win.
The fact that they were even in that position after falling 21-10 entering the fourth quarter gives credence to their winning mentality. There is no quit in this football team. They did not feel like all hope was lost after their three turnover output, which says a lot. As much as the game looked ugly for the 49ers they very well had their chances to win it. Three turnovers, each led to scores, and nine dropped passes from the wide receivers should've buried the 49ers.
They really had no business coming back in that game. You figured that Wilson would eventually turn it on to burn the 49ers, but their defense kept him in check for the vast majority of the game. That is why the 49ers have retained their top spot in the NFL power rankings. Despite all of the errors, as well as injuries to key players, they had their chance to win and took it the full length of overtime.
Seeing the 49ers still at No. 1 will certainly rub people the wrong way, especially those who still harp on the "pretenders" narrative. I'm sure they loved watching the 49ers get "exposed" on Monday night. The only thing that was exposed for the 49ers was their strong will. Most teams would've stayed down given all the egregious mistakes and momentum that was on Seattle's side. The 49ers did not falter and were able to muster a comeback.
It is just another showing as to why they were able to start 8-0 in the first place. One loss should not cause an overreaction from people. The 49ers were going to lose eventually and losing in overtime with the clock expiring is nothing to be ashamed of. This team is deserving of their retention at No. 1 and will have another opportunity to cement their ranking with a win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
