The San Francisco 49ers endured a disappointing 2024 season, winning just six games, finishing last in the NFC West, and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020. While injuries played a significant role in their struggles, the team also lost several key contributors this offseason, leading some to doubt the chances of a major rebound.
After years of lavish spending, chasing a championship, the 49ers have cut back on cash spending and are looking to the draft to replenish their roster.
Despite last season's struggles and a roster overhaul, DraftKings Sportsbook recently listed the 49ers as the betting favorites to win the NFC West in 2025—a surprising projection given their recent performance.
Meanwhile, ESPN Bet initially set the 49ers' over/under win total at 11.5 games, tying them for the highest mark with the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles. However, that number has since dropped to 10.5 wins, putting them on par with the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, and Washington Commanders. Notably, it remains the highest projected total among NFC West teams.
ESPN's Ben Solak recommends taking the under, doubting the 49ers will surpass the 10.5-win mark.
"The talent exodus from San Francisco has been extreme, especially on the defensive side of the ball," Solak explained. "Even if Robert Saleh can resurrect the magic he worked with that unit in his first stint with the 49ers, the defensive line depth has been devastated and the secondary lacks reliable starters beside nickel corner Deommodore Lenoir."
Solak also questions whether quarterback Brock Purdy can elevate a weakened roster, making the under his preferred bet.
"[W]e can't be positive yet that Brock Purdy is anything more than a middle-tier quarterback who is incapable of elevating a poor roster," Solak noted.
As for the rest of the NFC West, ESPN Bet has the defending division champion Los Angeles Rams at 9.5 wins, while the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks sit at 8.5 wins.