Fansided

NFL: 10 teams that are better (or worse) than their records indicate

By Luke Dahlgren

Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 18, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) mid air with cornerback Tramaine Brock (26) after preventing the pass intended for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) on the final play during the fourth quarter at Levi
Oct 18, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) mid air with cornerback Tramaine Brock (26) after preventing the pass intended for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) on the final play during the fourth quarter at Levi /

WORSE: San Francisco 49ers (2-4)

The San Francisco 49ers are, in spirit, worse than 2-4.

First, here are some complements lofted at the team:

  • Those are some very spiffy uniforms. They look fan-flipping-tastic during a West Coast sunset. A personal preference for the coaching staff would be denim jackets on the sidelines, but that is a nitpick.
  • The team name is also top-notch.
  • Carlos Hyde has looked sharp when he has seen some push from his offensive line. He’s averaging a respectable 4.1 yards per carry, and provides Niner fans some hope for a future beyond 2015.

After a mass exodus of talent in San Francisco – felt particuarly on defense where Patrick Willis, Justin Smith, Aldon Smith and Chris Borland all either retired or, in Aldon’s case, left in disgrace – the 49ers season has gone as expected.

Their two victories are against a shocked Minnesota Vikings team Week One on Monday Night Football and a Baltimore Ravens team in tailspin. Otherwise, the 49ers have been lethargic on offense and easy to push over on defense. Colin Kaepernick has struggled to remain comfortable in the pocket, and is still missing open targets. His 6-5 TD-to-INT ratio has spearheaded the league’s lowest scoring offense at 16.7 points per game. Meanwhile the defense ranks 31st in yards allowed (409/g) and last in passing yards (306.2/g).

Final record: 4-12

San Francisco’s three best bets to pick up a victory for the remainder of the season are in Week 13 (@ Chicago), Week 14 (@ Cleveland) and Week 16 (@ Detroit). Unfortunately for the 49ers, these games are all on the wrong side of the Mississippi River, but the team should hopefully be able to win one of those three. Assuming they overachieve in one other game, they end the season with double the wins they have now.

Next: Tennessee Titans

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