Eric Edholm released his latest power rankings for NFL.com, and the San Francisco 49ers remain steady at No. 15 heading into the preseason. While there's no immediate rise, Edholm believes the 49ers have a clear path to improvement—if they can overcome one critical hurdle.
The team needs to stay healthy.
This offseason, San Francisco underwent a significant roster overhaul, moving on from several veteran contributors and leaning on rookies to step up early.
"The 49ers' defense could receive a lot of help from rookies and new veteran faces," Edholm wrote. "There are some battles to figure out at safety, linebacker and the pass-rush spots outside of Nick Bosa, but I expect substantial improvement from this D.
"Bosa is back and looks better overall, and Robert Saleh is running the show like old times. It might take some time getting this unit back into peak shape, but the potential is there over the course of the season."
On offense, the biggest boost comes from a healthy Christian McCaffrey. After missing all but four games last season due to injuries, the star running back has looked strong throughout the offseason. San Francisco is hoping to see a version of McCaffrey closer to his 2023 form, when he totaled 2,023 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns, earning NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors.
There is uncertainty at wide receiver with Deebo Samuel gone, Brandon Aiyuk working back from ACL and MCL injuries, and Jauan Jennings seeking a new contract. The bright spot has been second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall, who has impressed in training camp after returning from a hamstring injury.
Last season's 6-11 finish was primarily attributed to injuries. Staying healthy in 2025 will be pivotal if the 49ers want to return to playoff contention.
"Ricky Pearsall is an important player for them this season," Edholm noted. "If Brock Purdy and CMC stay relatively healthy this season, I'll be surprised if San Francisco is not back among the contending ranks."
If the 49ers can avoid the injury bug and develop their young talent quickly, a climb up the power rankings—and a return to NFC contention—is within reach.