NFL Power Rankings, Week 15: Packers take top seed, Eagles sparked by Jalen Hurts

After making it to the Super Bowl a season ago, the San Francisco 49ers were hopeful they could again contend in the NFC this season. They very likely could have done so too, had it not been for their unfortunate string of injuries.

San Francisco has lost players such as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, tight end George Kittle, running back Raheem Mostert, and cornerback Richard Sherman at different points this season. In Week 14, they were again shorthanded as they have not gotten Garoppolo or Kittle back.

With them out, they again struggled on offense and it only got worse when Deebo Samuel was lost during the game. Having said all that, the one thing that continues to be confusing is how they rely on Nick Mullens in the absence of Jimmy G. Mullens had his share of good plays as a rookie, but since then, he’s been a liability. He again had two turnovers on Sunday, both of which led to touchdowns and ultimately proved to be the difference in the game.

C.J. Beathard isn’t exactly an All-Pro, but at this point, it would seem as though he would be a better option. Either way, the 49ers are not 5-8 and they need to figure out this offseason what to do under center long-term because replacing an injured Jimmy Garoppolo is becoming too common a theme for them.