FOX Sports NFL reporter Carmen Vitali recently evaluated the eight teams that finished last in their respective divisions during the 2024 season, ranking them by their chances to finish first in 2025. Topping her list: the San Francisco 49ers, who ended last season with a disappointing 6-11 record after a year plagued by injuries.
Why the 49ers are positioned for a 2025 bounce-back season
The 49ers enter the 2025 NFL season with both challenges and advantages. On the one hand, the team underwent a significant roster overhaul this offseason, which led to some uncertainty. Complicating matters is the new financial landscape. Quarterback Brock Purdy is no longer on a bargain rookie deal and is now one of the highest-paid players in the league, tightening San Francisco's salary cap flexibility.
However, the 49ers will benefit from the NFL's easiest schedule based on 2024 opponents' win percentages. Combined with improved health, that favorable slate gives the Niners a clear path to rebound in the NFC West.
Vitali: 49ers are the top bounce-back candidate
Vitali ranked the 49ers No. 1 among all last-place teams but acknowledged the stiff competition to overcome in their division.
"This was a decently easy call when it comes down to likelihood, though I do think the Rams are going to be a hard team to overcome for the top spot in the NFC West," Vitali wrote. "That being said, last year was an uncharacteristically bad year for the Niners, and I don't expect that to continue. They still have one of the better rosters in the division, and they just paid quarterback Brock Purdy.
"If San Francisco gets running back Christian McCaffrey back and healthy, all bets are off as to who wins this division. That is an 'if,' though. The Niners snagged a couple of defensive linemen with their first two picks in the draft to make up for their losses there, too."
With a retooled roster, a favorable 2025 schedule, and key contributors returning to full strength, the 49ers could be poised to rebound from a disappointing season and go from worst to first in the NFC West.