The San Francisco 49ers are firmly positioned as a leading contender for a significant playoff return in the upcoming 2025 NFL season, despite a challenging previous year that saw them fall short of expectations.
Pro Football and Sports Network (PFSN) analyst Cameron Sheath recently highlighted the 49ers’ strong prospects, placing them at an impressive No. 2 among the 18 teams that missed the 2024 postseason, trailing only the Cincinnati Bengals.
After entering the 2024 season with considerable Super Bowl aspirations, the San Francisco 49ers endured a disappointing 6-11 finish, marking their first absence from the playoffs since the 2020 campaign.
Despite their recent struggles, Sheath’s assessment underscores a pivotal advantage for the 49ers: their seemingly favorable 2025 schedule. Having finished last in the NFC West, San Francisco now benefits from the easiest strength of schedule in the entire NFL, based on 2024 results.
This advantageous schedule means the 49ers are slated to face only three playoff teams from the previous season: the Los Angeles Rams twice, the Houston Texans, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Their matchups against the AFC South and NFC South divisions further contribute to this favorable outlook.
While single games against NFC North, AFC North, and NFC East opposition might initially appear daunting, their fourth-place division finish has strategically positioned them to play less formidable opponents such as the Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants.
Injuries played a substantial role in the 49ers’ 2024 difficulties, particularly impacting key offensive weapons like running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who both missed significant playing time. McCaffrey’s return to full health and Aiyuk’s anticipated comeback during the 2025 campaign are expected to provide a substantial boost to the offense.
Despite some high-profile exits, the San Francisco 49ers maintain a roster boasting some of the NFL’s premier talent on both offense and defense. This foundational strength, combined with a manageable schedule and returning star power, positions them strongly for a successful return to winning ways and playoff contention in 2025.
