49ers come out of bye week 20th in USA TODAY power rankings
The 49ers didn’t move up or down in the USA TODAY power rankings over their bye week. They stood pat at No. 20 and begin their final 12 games looking to climb back up into the top 12 or so since such an ascent would likely correspond with their insertion into the playoff picture.
A substantial jump may not be available for a couple weeks though. They face the No. 22 Colts in Week 7, and the No. 16 Bears in Week 8. Winning those games would be nice resumé builders, but their real test will come in Weeks 9 and 10 against the Cardinals and Rams, which rank 1 and 2, respectively.
One key for San Francisco will be kickstarting their offense. While a slew of issues needed to be ironed out during the week off, one player in particular needs to shine post-bye.
“Hopefully the bye helped clear head of underperforming WR Brandon Aiyuk, who has eight catches for 90 yards – on the season,” wrote USA TODAY’s Nate Davis.
An uptick in production for Aiyuk would likely mean the 49ers’ offense is running more efficiently. A better version off that unit would better compliment a good defensive effort early in the year.
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49ers lose ground on top NFC West teams during bye
