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NFL power rankings: Which playoff team is the best?

By Russell S. Baxter

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 13: Head coach John Harbaugh interacts with Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens prior to playing against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Dan Kubus/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 13: Head coach John Harbaugh interacts with Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens prior to playing against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Dan Kubus/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 29: Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers silences the crowd after stopping the Seattle Seahawks on fourth down in the fourth quarter to defeat the Seattle Seahawks 26-21 during their game at CenturyLink Field on December 29, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 29: Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers silences the crowd after stopping the Seattle Seahawks on fourth down in the fourth quarter to defeat the Seattle Seahawks 26-21 during their game at CenturyLink Field on December 29, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

4. San Francisco 49ers

13-3 (NFC West champions)

No. 1 Seed in NFC

Overview: It’s been quite the year of growth for this club. This was a Niners’ team that won 13 games after a 4-12 finish in 2018. That’s tied for the third-biggest turnaround in NFL history in terms of increased wins from one season to the next. While quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo struggled early, he came into his own as the season wore on with help from tight end George Kittle and midseason addition in the form of wide receiver Emanuel Sanders. A defense that started strong began to show cracks the last nine games, allowing 27 offensive TDs after surrendering just seven offensive touchdowns the first seven contests.

Postseason History: The last time the Niners hosted a playoff game was in 2012 when they routed the Packers in the divisional round. That season resulted in an appearance in Super Bowl XLVII. Only the New England Patriots (6) and Pittsburgh Steelers (6) have won more Lombardi Trophies than the 49ers (5).

Potential Opponents: Kyle Shanahan’s club could welcome the Eagles, Seahawks or Vikings to Levi’s Stadium on Saturday, January 11. The only one of those three clubs the Niners faced this season was the ‘Hawks, who handed the 49ers their first loss of 2019 in overtime, 27-24, in Week 10 at San Francisco.

Next: No. 3

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