The San Francisco 49ers are finding success in more ways than simply putting points on the board. Through six games, they've consistently controlled the scoreboard, forcing opponents to play from behind while building one of the NFL's best records.
At 6-0, the 49ers have spent more time leading games than any other team in the league, according to NFL senior researcher Tony Holzman-Escareno. San Francisco has held a lead for 4 hours, 5 minutes and 34 seconds this season, nearly 25 minutes more than the second-place Baltimore Ravens.
The 49ers have also faced remarkably little time playing from behind. They've run just 57 offensive plays while trailing, the fewest in the NFL, per Holzman-Escareno. The Minnesota Vikings rank second with 70, followed by the Kansas City Chiefs with 71.
The only games they've trailed so far this year were for about one quarter in the first half against the Denver Broncos in Week 4 and for about nine minutes in the second half against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5. Otherwise, the 49ers have been in the lead.
San Francisco's ability to build leads starts with an offense that's among the league's most productive. The 49ers have scored 177 points, the fourth-most in the NFL, while averaging 6.4 yards per play. They've also scored on 46.7% of their offensive drives, the eighth-best rate in the league.
Defensively, the 49ers have complemented that production by allowing just 110 points, the fourth-fewest in the NFL. Opponents are averaging only 4.7 yards per play against San Francisco, compared with the 49ers' 6.4 yards per play on offense.
That combination has helped San Francisco dictate the terms of its games. Rather than constantly chasing opponents on the scoreboard, the 49ers have made a habit of taking the lead and forcing other teams to respond.
And through six games, that formula has helped keep San Francisco undefeated heading into Week 7.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: These 2 stats explain why the 49ers are dominating opponents