Pro Football Talk notes that the San Francisco 49ers currently hold a slight betting edge to win the NFC West in 2025, which would guarantee a playoff spot. While questions linger about the overhauled roster—which saw several veteran departures replaced by rookies—a favorable schedule has positioned them as early favorites.
"It's also important to note that the injury-riddled 49ers finished last in the NFC West last year and the Rams finished first, which gives the 49ers a big edge in the NFL's scheduling formula, which determines three opponents for each team," wrote Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk.
Meanwhile, our friends over at Niner Noise highlight that analysts are starting to change their tone on the 49ers. Concerns about roster uncertainty had many predicting another tough season for San Francisco, which ended 2024 with just six wins and lost seven of its final eight games.
Niner Noise's Nick San Miguel points to a couple of recent analyst takes suggesting the 49ers shouldn't be overlooked heading into the new season.
"I know this might be a little bit controversial, but I feel like people have taken the 49ers and said their best days are behind them," CBS analyst Charles Davis said. "But I'm buying [the 49ers] because I think the NFC West is out there for whoever wants to go get it. And I'm counting on these 49ers to have much better health this season than [the] last."
Davis added, "I think with good health, they can get right back on track."
Buy or sell that the 49ers can win the NFC West?
Charles Davis: "I know this might be a little bit controversial. I feel like people have taken the 49ers and said their best days are behind them, but I'm BUYING it. Because I think the NFC West is out there for whoever wants to… pic.twitter.com/k60tmLaQQI
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) June 29, 2025
San Miguel also highlighted comments from FOX Sports analyst Ric Bucher, who picked Brock Purdy as the quarterback most likely to make the playoffs in 2025 over options like Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow. He believes the ultra-competitive nature of the AFC will make the path to the postseason more challenging.
"I'm gonna go Purdy because I think they have a quality team, and I think it's going to just be a little bit easier, somehow, someway, even if it's [as a] Wild Card, for them to get in as opposed to the [the AFC options]."
Which QB is most likely to make the playoffs this season: Rodgers, Mahomes, Sanders, Burrow, Jackson or Purdy?
Ric Bucher picked Brock Purdy
Joy Taylor: "I think we're writing the Niners off a little too soon. I think they're going to look very different this year. Which… pic.twitter.com/lPJFMBp4B6
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) June 29, 2025
Despite uncertainty surrounding their revamped roster, the 49ers' depth chart still boasts elite talent at the top, with cornerstone players like Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Trent Williams, Fred Warner, and Nick Bosa leading the way. However, San Francisco might have to rely on early contributions from several rookies if it hopes to bounce back from its disappointing 2024 campaign.