The San Francisco 49ers lost several key players this offseason and have done little to offset those departures. Instead, general manager John Lynch appears to be relying on the NFL Draft to replenish the roster with young talent, assuming the team can replicate last year's success in selecting impact players.
Coming off a disappointing six-win season that saw them finish last in the NFC West, the 49ers face an uphill battle in 2025. Injuries played a significant role in last season's struggles, and their offseason losses have led many to predict another challenging year.
However, DraftKings Sportsbook lists the 49ers as the betting favorites to win the NFC West in 2025, ensuring a return to the playoffs. The defending division champions, the Los Angeles Rams, hold the second-best odds, while the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals are tied for third.
NFC West division winner odds:
- San Francisco 49ers +125
- Los Angeles Rams +185
- Seattle Seahawks +600
- Arizona Cardinals +600
One factor in the 49ers' favor is their last-place finish in 2024, which secured them a more favorable schedule in 2025.
Despite their roster losses, key contributors like running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle, linebacker Fred Warner, defensive end Nick Bosa, and quarterback Brock Purdy remain. The 49ers shipped wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders, but he has struggled to replicate his breakout 2021 campaign.
The team also lost linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga, both of whom signed with the Denver Broncos. While impactful when healthy, both players have battled injuries in recent seasons.
Still, it's notable that the Rams aren't favored to repeat as NFC West champions, given the general perception surrounding the 49ers. CBS Sports recently gave San Francisco an "F" grade for their offseason, the lowest of any team, while the Rams received an "A-", bolstered by key additions such as wide receiver Davante Adams and the retention of quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Will the 49ers live up to the oddsmakers' expectations, or is the betting market overestimating their potential in 2025?