2014 Week 1 NFC Power Rankings

San Francisco 49ers quarterback

2. San Francisco 49ers (2013 record: 12-4) Last season finish: Lost in NFC Championship Game

Week 1 Matchup: at Dallas Cowboys 9/7 4:25 PM EST

The 49ers were a “mediocre” play away from representing the NFC in back to back Super Bowls. Unfortunately for them, Richard Sherman had plenty to say about that as his Seahawks defeated their division rivals and the rest is well history.

The 49ers return this season with more firepower and depth on offense. The Buffalo Bills washed their hands of Stevie Johnson with a trade sending him out the bay area to help with an aerial attack that struggled mightily much of the season last year. The potential of Anquan Boldin, Stevie Johnson, and a healthy Michael Crabtree should help Kaepernick fulfill his duties of his newfound contract.

The addition of Carlos Hyde should bolster an already physical, potent rushing attack. The question lies on defense. The 49ers lost Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers to the Oakland Raiders in free agency and Navarro Bowman isn’t expected to be full strength until mid-season. Add in the nine game suspension of Aldon Smith and a potential for Ray McDonald and things look quirky out in San Fran.