What do Jerry Rice, Steve Young and William Floyd all have in common?
No, not a love for jewellery-making even though they all have some matching bling.
It’s that all three were part of the Super Bowl-winning 49ers team in the 1990s.
That team took on a Cinderella side in the Chargers and not only crushed their magic pumpkin but stole the slippers and took home the W.
I only bring this up because it’s early in the 2019 season, and man do the Niners look good.
Not only do they have Jimmy Garoppolo but Matt Breida, Raheem Mostert and the ever-intriguing George Kittle to bolster a pretty tough defence.
Jimmy G is leading a promising Niners outfit in 2019. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
They are 2-0 right now and that’s not much of feat, but look into the future and you might just see more.
Let’s look at their schedule and how injuries to opposing teams have really set up a great scenario for the G Man and co. to get a ring.
A Big Ben-less Steelers team is up first then on to a middle-of-a-rebuild Browns outfit, which will bring them to 4-0.
Then they have a tough one against a strong Rams side in an away match. That’ll leave them at 4-1 heading to Washington to pick off the Redskins, then back home for a date with the Panthers, where old QB Cam Newton is dealing with a lasting foot issue that will limit his mobility.
Then Arizona, Seattle and back to Arizona. That leaves them with an 8-2 record. Now they finish out the season with a few must-win games versus New Orleans, Green Bay and Seattle again.
Saying they split the last games, that leaves them at 11-5 and one heck of a chance to make the playoffs.
Once they make it there, it’s up in the air, but with this group anything is possible.
The only thing standing in their way is injuries and Jimmy G is no stranger to missing a season. The dude did miss all but two full games in 2018 with an ACL tear.
If healthy, though, this team should be playoff-bound and ready to roll into the post-season with not only a chip on their shoulder but a desire to bring home the Lombardi.
mea
Guest
The Browns just humbled a Ravens outfit that had also looked good vs bad teams. This should be interesting...
Jungle Jack
Roar Rookie
Sometimes all it takes is a few tune up games for teams to play past their potential.
XI
Roar Guru
The fight between the Rams and Niners seems like it could be like the Kansas City vs Chargers race for the division last year. Very exciting football out west
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Early days for the Niners, however can’t do anymore than win there first three games before the bye. As always injuries will play a huge part, they have already lost Joe Staley for 5-6 weeks. Jimmy G has been patchy so far this season. The Niners at best can hope for a Wildcard. The Rams are still the best team in the Division by a fair margin. They will need to go 11-5 for a shot at a Wildcard berth. The D has started well and must continue on, Breida is doing a nice job, however the key is Jimmy G.
Albo
Roar Rookie
The Chiefs are my team too. But not sure they can be termed a Cinderella team ? Must be amongst the favourites this season after going so close last year , and with Mahomes in control with another year under the belt , and a solid 3-0 start to the season. Still one major flaw for mine , their defence still looks in need of work.
astro
Roar Rookie
Think you're being pretty generous with a few of the wins you're handing the Niners there. The Niners are 3-0 having played three teams with a combined record of 1-8...
PGNEWC
Roar Rookie
The Browns once again find ways to lose even though they were hyped up to win AFC North
BLACKTOWN
Roar Rookie
Kansas my Cinderella team after last years defeat in the A.F.C champion game in o.t. But of course im talking through my wallet