NFL power rankings: Vikings, Eagles top the board

2018 Key Additions: The San Francisco 49ers enter 2018 as the league’s hottest team. Led by quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, Kyle Shanahan’s club closed last year with five consecutive victories. Still, general manager John Lynch sought some offensive line help and added guard Jonathan Cooper and center Weston Richburg. Former Vikings’ running back Jerick McKinnon is an ideal fit for Shanahan’s attack. But having Richard Sherman in the San Francisco secondary can’t be underestimated. Cut loose by the rival Seattle Seahawks, he latched on with the Niners and has revenge on his mind.

Offseason Review: Thanks to their fast finish from a year ago, the 49ers have already been anointed as postseason contenders. That’s all well and good, but this is still a club that hasn’t been in the playoffs since 2013. And despite the improvement shown late last year, there’s still substantial work to be done – particularly on the defensive side of the football. Still, the addition of Sherman gives Shanahan’s team a little moxie on that side of the ball –something the club has lacked in recent years. All told, the combination of some much-needed free agent help and another solid draft has this team headed upwards.