San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) could help the team stand tall as the NFC's champion once again. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

49ers emerging as team to beat in NFC

By Cory Woodroof | Last updated 11/22/22

The San Francisco 49ers are continuing to prove they might be the team to beat in the NFC.

While the Philadelphia Eagles have long been the most formidable team in the conference, they've fallen on hard times of late. Losing to Washington and almost losing to Indianapolis will do that to you.

The Minnesota Vikings looked to take the mantle until getting thrashed by the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, 40-3.

The Cowboys are quite good, but have questions with the passing game on offense. The New York Giants can only do so much with quarterback Daniel Jones. The Seattle Seahawks have issues on defense.

For teams who look like legitimate Super Bowl contenders, that leaves the 49ers atop the pile.

The team's 3-3 start has been helped tremendously by running back Christian McCaffrey, who was acquired by the team before the trade deadline.

The numbers are eye-popping for how the former Carolina Panthers rusher has heightened the offense.

A look at the 49ers before and after the Christian McCaffrey trade...

Before:
W-L: 3-3
Points/game: 20.8
Yards/game: 340.2
3rd down %: 41%

After:
W-L: 3-1
Points/game: 28.5
Yards/game: 396.5
3rd down %: 55%

That offense is a handful to slow down.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 22, 2022

That's an offense that already boasts a three-headed monster in wideouts Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk and tight end George Kittle. Left tackle Trent Williams sets the tone in the blocking game. Running back Elijah Mitchell is an excellent second punch to McCaffrey.

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo isn't an elite player. However, he runs Kyle Shanahan's offense well and has made two NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl under center.

The team's defense is an asteroid, boasting standout players like defensive ends Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead and Samson Ebukam, linebackers Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw and safeties Talanoa Hufanga and Jimmie Ward.

Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw could also return from IR later in the season.

Shanahan is one of the game's brightest minds, and the team's move to trade for McCaffrey is already proving to be massive.

When all is said and done, it could be the 49ers who once again stand tall as the NFC's champion.

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