49ers, not Rams, are true Super Bowl favorites and Mike Evans is biggest reason why

SEATTLE — Besides George Kittle’s recruiting efforts, there was one clear reason why Mike Evans chose to make the 49ers only his second team in 13 NFL seasons.“I feel like they’re one piece away,” he said back in March after signing up to catch passes from Brock Purdy for the next three years.“And I’m that piece.”Evans already had a Hall-of-Fame resume.

Now, Canton can add clairvoyance to his plaque.The veteran receiver has added an element the 49ers, a team that has reached the Super Bowl twice in the last seven seasons, have never had.Will that be enough to put them over the top?There’s been a certain amount of awe emanating from the 49ers’ locker room ever since they pried Evans away from the Buccaneers.

To most of his teammates, he isn’t Mike; he’s Mike Evans.He’s a novelty to be admired almost as much as he is one of the guys.But he is also one of the guys.

They still almost can’t believe it. Turns out, professional football players get star-struck, too.And it hit a fever pitch Sunday afternoon, after Evans put a down-and-out receiving corps on his back and led the 49ers down the field against the Seahawks, pulling off something they couldn’t without him nine months ago.Seven catches for 113 yards.

Four for 75 and a 2-point conversion on the 12-play march to take the lead for good in a 32-29 win.Leaping acrobatics.

Physical play.Separation created by size.“A true X receiver,” Purdy said.Christian McCaffrey, familiar with singular overpowering offensive performances, shook his head in appreciation as he took the podium after Evans following the game.“That guy,” McCaffrey said, “is unbelievable.”“He’s just a walking aura,” added linebacker Fred Warner.

“I can’t help it.I’m on the sideline watching him do crazy stuff, I’m like, ‘We have Mike Evans.’ Like, I can’t believe it.

He’s unreal.He literally doesn’t say anything.

He just shows up every week and just works and then goes out there on ...