Entering the 2026 NFL season, prognosticators had their choice of the two perceived NFC West frontrunners in projecting the eventual Super Bowl champion. The Los Angeles Rams were the popular pick because of their masterclass of an offseason, while the Seattle Seahawks were the logical "we can't bet against them until they give us a reason to" choice coming off their championship run. Most everyone forgot about the other contender in football's strongest division.
Injuries derailed the San Francisco 49ers' 2025 campaign, but perhaps the fact that Kyle Shanahan still managed to lead his undermanned squad to a 12-5 record and a playoff berth should have served as an indication of the dominance to come. They are still not completely healthy, yet they are off to a 5-0 start and have the inside track to a division title and the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Perhaps their seemingly never-ending ailments will catch up to them again, but the same could be said for any team in the league.
It is time to simply enjoy what the 49ers are doing and stop worrying about their ability to stay healthy. Frankly, they might just win the Super Bowl regardless of who is available. Through five weeks, it feels like their year.
Here is how the rest of the Super Bowl race shakes out as the season approaches Week 6. No matter how you slice it, the 49ers look like the best team in the NFL. They are one of two 5-0 squads and own the widest point differential at +61.
Their offensive EPA/play ranks second, behind only the Buffalo Bills, while their defensive EPA/play allowed is the league's fourth-best mark. This is as complete a team as there is in pro football. Most impressive are the contributions San Francisco continues to receive from its most experienced players.
While an aging roster comes with its health issues, it also represents a collection of proven, veteran talent. Everyone is in vintage form, including Mike Evans, who has a strong case as the most impactful free agent acquisition of the offseason with his 326 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Even George Kittle has been as reliable as ever despite being a mere nine months removed from a torn Achilles.
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