Heading into the 2026 season, there wasn't much optimism surrounding the San Francisco 49ers' chances of winning the NFC West. Much of that skepticism stemmed from the division's competition, with the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and a Los Angeles Rams team with a loaded roster both viewed as stronger contenders. The Rams entered the season as the Super Bowl LXI favorites.
The 49ers also had an aging roster, with several key contributors coming off significant injuries, including linebacker Fred Warner, tight end George Kittle, and defensive end Nick Bosa.
Yet after four weeks of NFL action, the 49ers stand alone atop the NFC West with a perfect 4-0 record, one of just three undefeated teams remaining in the league (the Chiefs and Vikings are the others).
Their latest triumph came against a physical Denver Broncos team, with the 49ers earning a gritty 24-14 win at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.
Warner, a four-time All-Pro widely regarded as the NFL's best linebacker, isn't surprised by the 49ers' early success, even after hearing all the offseason skepticism.
"I think that people didn't—I don't know—I guess they didn't really take us very seriously before the season started because we did have a lot of guys who were quote-unquote older, and guys who were coming off of injuries," Warner told Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer after Week 4's win. "So I think the thing that separated us all along was, yeah, we have a lot of talent, but we have guys that, regardless of whatever we've achieved in this league, we're all hungry to continue to get better. And continue to prove it every single week."
Warner is among those helping the 49ers prove the doubters wrong. He already has 40 tackles through four games this season, the fifth-most in the NFL, while San Francisco's defense has allowed 64 total points, the third-fewest in the league.
Beyond simply wanting to improve, the 49ers' veterans are hungry to win a championship. That creates a natural sense of urgency for a group with plenty of experience and limited time remaining together.
"You definitely are aware of that, and I've been super grateful and blessed to be a part of this organization and have opportunities to win the whole thing," Warner said. "Obviously, we dealt with some heavy losses, being in [the Super Bowl] twice and not being able to hoist that trophy. So you do realize that you don't have forever with the same group of guys, and you want to make the most of the opportunity."
The 49ers will have another chance to prove themselves in Week 5 when they face the Seahawks, the team that ended San Francisco's playoff run last season with a Divisional Round rout at Lumen Field.
More info on: Nick Bosa, George Kittle, Fred Warner
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