Joe Staley, the long-time offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers, has transitioned into a television analyst spot since retiring in 2019. The six-time Pro Bowler analyzes the team he spent 13 years playing for. Naturally, he will prop up the team, especially as they establish themselves as a playoff-worthy team this season.

On NBC Sports Bay Area's pregame show for the 49ers' Thursday Night Football matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Staley dropped a take that was as equally hot as it was biased. He said that the 49ers are the best team in the NFL right now.

“The 49ers are the best team in the NFL right now,” Staley declared. “I think if you put this team at a neutral site against anybody in the league, the way they are playing, they can match up with anyone.”

Staley notes the star power the team has — referring to 2021 Pro Bowlers Nick Bosa, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, Trent Williams and Kyle Juszczyk — and that San Francisco is playing beyond its potential. He noted that Bosa, who is in the midst of a dominant season, should be in the awards race.

This kind of take could only come from someone close with San Francisco, either as a fan or former player. At 8-6, the 49ers are in a six-way tie for the league's 9th-best record and own the 12th-best point differential. They have won five of their last six games, but only two of those wins were against playoff teams.

While the 49ers do have an impressive collection of talent on offense (namely Samuel, who is breaking records left and right) and defense, calling them the best team in the league is questionable. Staley may be a bit biased due to being a lifer for the team, but he seems very convinced of his take.