NFL Power Rankings Week 8: 49ers slide to No. 3 Following Sloppy Win vs. Washington

Week seven NFL power rankings had the San Francisco 49ers slotted at No. 2 after their beat down of the Los Angeles Rams. However, following their sloppy win vs. Washington their rank to a slight dive.

Last weeks NFL power rankings saw the San Francisco 49ers listed at No. 2 behind only the New England Patriots. Flip the page today's rankings and you will see that the 49ers slide to No. 3 following their sloppy 9-0 win over the Washington Redskins.

The New Orleans Saints are the team that has leaped over the 49ers after their convincing win on the road against the Chicago Bears. Sliding one spot in the power rankings isn't that big of a deal. In fact, it should have been expected given the way their game played out.

The 49ers' win over Washington was not a convincing win, but that was more or less due to the fact of the weather conditions. That game was practically played on a mud pit. Both teams could not get anything going offensively for the vast majority of the game.

Throw in the fact that the 49ers had a three hour time switch given the 10am pacific start time and it makes sense why their win wasn't cleaner. Otherwise, had the weather not played a factor and even the start time, then the 49ers should have had no issues sealing the deal early. 

Regardless, the 49ers are in phenomenal position right now. They improved to 6-0 on the season to remain undefeated. Now they will wager their clean record in week eight against the Carolina Panthers at Levi's stadium. 

The Panthers are no slouches as they are solid on both sides of the ball. If the 49ers are not careful, this could be a game that slips away from them. This game will also be the debut of newly acquired wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who is sure to provide a spark on the offense. 

A win against the Panthers could have the 49ers return to their No. 2 ranking from last week. Nevertheless, being ranked in the top five of the power rankings is something they can hang their hat on. It is just another reason why the people who still claim the 49ers to be "pretenders' are simply delusional.