The 49ers have played with a purpose since the bye week. They’ve outscored their three opponents by a combined 92-43. Two of those teams have decent chances to end up in the playoffs, too.
Something is different about this version of the 49ers. If it feels the same way to you, well, that’s because it’s the best version of San Francisco that’s been tracked — according to DVOA:
This year's #49ers are still (just barely) the best 49ers team ever tracked by DVOA.
Like many great franchises, the best regular seasons for the 49ers didn't necessarily result in championships.