The San Francisco 49ers are No. 8 in the latest NFL Power Rankings from SB Nation's Joel Thorman. The 49ers took a dip from their No. 4 ranking immediately following the draft back in April.
Thorman still thinks that the 49ers will be good, but may not see the same success as 2011:
8. San Francisco 49ers (LW: 4): Too many things went well for the 49ers last year. This is a very good team but it will come back to Earth this year.
Alex Smith and 49ers finished last season as one of the top surpises in the NFL, going 13-3 and advancing to the NFC Championship game.
The Green Bay Packers, San Francisco's Week 1 opponent, check in at the top in the rankings.
The rest of the NFC West appears to be falling behind the 49ers. The Seahawks find themselves at No. 24, while the Rams and Cardinals fall at Nos. 28 and 31 respectively.
For more on the 49ers, check out Niners Nation and stick with SB Nation Bay Area.
