49ers reacts: Which NFC contender has the biggest threat to the 49ers?

 

Greetings and welcome to SB Nation Reacts, an NFL fan survey. We pose questions to the nation’s most engaged 49ers supporters as well as those in the San Francisco Bay Area throughout the year. To take part in the weekly email surveys, register here.

We always try to gauge the mood of 49ers supporters following the previous game. After the crushing defeat in Philadelphia, we assume that San Francisco’s spirits are extremely high as they go on a 4-game winning run.

Regarding this week’s question, we wanted to know which NFC competitor the 49ers are most afraid of. This season, we have already witnessed this team thoroughly humiliate the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas had no justifications, but Philly was in a difficult scheduling position. Given how both teams were playing at the time and that Dak Prescott was meant to be the Niners’ first “test,” the Cowboys’ defeat was actually worse.

With the same point differential as the Eagles, the Lions are 9-3. Ben Johnson, the team’s brilliant creative mind, and Detroit’s potent offensive line provide plenty of speed at the skill spots.

However, considering that Jared Goff has already thrown three interceptions in a single game, one can’t help but wonder how he would fare in an outdoor playoff game or under duress in general. Additionally, this defense has given up at least 24 points in two other games this season and has given up at least 28 points in five other games before.

Once we get past the Lions, the talent level falls off a cliff. In the NFC, only the Rams, Saints, Packers, and Vikings have a positive point differential. Back in Week 2, Los Angeles gave the Niners a good game in the first half, but the Rams defense is among the worst in the NFL, and this secondary has been overhauled.

Other than that, it’s Derek Carr playing with an aging and slow defense, Josh Dobbs (maybe Nick Mullens, if we’re lucky), and Jordan Love, a young and potential quarterback but lacking experience.

Who do you think has the best chance of competing with the Niners?