NFL Power Rankings, Week 4: Seahawks, Packers keep surging

There was a time in 2018 where Nick Mullens looked like he could be the real deal in the NFL. He had to fill in for an injured Jimmy Garoppolo and led them to a 3-5 record as a rookie. That included a 34-3 Week 9 win over the Raiders in his debut that finished with three touchdowns coming off his hand.

Now with Jimmy G down again, the 49ers once again had to turn to Mullens and he delivered again. This time, he was 25-of-36 with 343 yards and a touchdown as he led San Francisco to a 36-9 win over the New York Giants.

For San Francisco, this win was huge. Garoppolo was far from the only player injured on this team as they were without Raheem Mostert, Nick Bosa, and George Kittle — among others. Their depth was tested but players such as Mullens and running back Jerick McKinnon stepped in and delivered. Also rising to the occasion was rookie Brandon Aiyuk who had 70 yards receiving and even scored his first NFL touchdown — which he did on a run.

They’re hopeful that Garoppolo and Kittle will return soon but they have to be thrilled with the way the team responded in this one.