The San Francisco 49ers are looking to rebound in 2025 after a disappointing 2024 season that saw them miss the playoffs following their Super Bowl appearance. A combination of injuries and off-field issues plagued the team, leading to a dismal 6-win season, a mark they hadn’t reached since 2020. The struggles resulted in significant offseason changes, aimed at revitalizing the team and restoring its status as a Super Bowl contender.
Despite starting the 2024 season with promise, a 23-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers brought their record to 5-4, placing them in a competitive position after their bye week. However, the team collapsed down the stretch, losing seven of their final eight games and finishing at the bottom of the NFC West. This dramatic fall from grace highlighted the urgent need for adjustments across the board.
The most significant changes occurred within the coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen was dismissed after just one season, and special teams coordinator Brian Schneider was also let go. The defense’s poor performance, ranking 29th in points allowed, was a major factor in Sorensen’s departure. Special teams also struggled, with consistent issues in both punting and kicking.
In a move to address these deficiencies, the 49ers brought back a familiar face: Robert Saleh, the former defensive coordinator who had previously served as the New York Jets head coach. Saleh’s return signals a commitment to re-establishing a strong defensive identity. Alongside Saleh, Brant Boyer, a longtime Jets special teams coordinator and former NFL linebacker, was brought in to revamp the special teams unit. These additions aim to provide stability and expertise in areas where the team struggled significantly in 2024.
However, the 49ers adopted a cautious approach in free agency, opting against pursuing high-profile signings. Instead, they saw the departure of several key players, including linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga, cornerback Charvarius Ward, and guard Aaron Banks. The team also made a significant trade, sending former All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders. These losses raised questions about the team’s overall talent level and potential offensive firepower for the upcoming season.
Despite these departures, the 49ers made strategic moves to address their needs. They signed veteran quarterback Mac Jones and cornerback Tre Brown in free agency, adding depth and experience to key positions. More importantly, they heavily invested in defense during the draft, using their first five picks on defensive players. Edge rusher Mykel Williams, defensive tackles Alfred Collins and CJ West, cornerback Upton Stout, and linebacker Nick Martin were all selected with the aim of bolstering the team’s defensive capabilities.
The key question surrounding the 49ers in 2025 is whether the infusion of young talent, combined with the return of Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator, will lead to significant improvement on defense and ultimately a return to the playoffs. USA TODAY Sports predicts that the 49ers will finish with an 11-6 record, a considerable improvement over their 2024 performance.
This wouldn’t be the first time the 49ers have experienced a dramatic turnaround after a disappointing season. In 2019, they lost the Super Bowl and followed it up with a six-win season in 2020, plagued by injuries. However, in 2021, they rebounded by winning seven of their last nine regular-season games and securing a spot in the NFC Championship Game. This history suggests that a resurgence in 2025 is definitely within the realm of possibility.
The influx of young talent and the presence of a proven coordinator like Saleh could significantly improve the defense. Additionally, if the offense can avoid the injury issues that plagued them in 2024, they could return to being a top-10 scoring unit.
Even without major improvements in all areas, the 49ers are well-positioned to win more games in 2025, primarily due to their favorable schedule. Sharp Football Analysis ranked the 49ers as having the easiest strength of schedule in the league. Six of their 17 games will be against NFC West opponents. Outside of their division, they will face teams from the NFC South and AFC South, divisions that generally struggled in 2024. Only two teams from those divisions, Houston and Tampa Bay, had 10 or more wins last season.
Beyond their division and inter-conference games, the 49ers will host the Chicago Bears and travel to face the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants. The Bears are under a new regime in a challenging division, while both the Browns and Giants have significant questions at quarterback.
Even if the 49ers only achieve a .500 record in their division games, they should still see a considerable improvement in their overall win total. While they may not possess the same level of offensive firepower as the 2023 team that reached the Super Bowl, they should be a strong contender for a playoff berth once again.
The full list of the 49ers’ opponents for the 2025 season is eagerly awaited by fans and analysts alike. The combination of coaching changes, roster adjustments, and a favorable schedule has created a sense of optimism surrounding the team. While the 49ers face challenges in replacing departed starters and integrating new players, the potential for a significant turnaround is undeniable. The 2025 season promises to be a pivotal one for the franchise as they aim to reclaim their status as one of the NFL’s elite teams.
