With the 2025 NFL season around the corner, let's dive into some bold predictions that would help fuel the fire for a deep playoff run. Keeping that in mind, here's what could be for the San Francisco 49ers.
Christian McCaffrey wins Comeback Player of the Year and leads the league in rushing yards
Erase all skepticism and doubt. This isn't a done deal, but it has already happened. Running back Christian McCaffrey has fought through injury over the course of his entire career, and shortly after joining the San Francisco 49ers, he won the rushing title.
Now, after a horrific injury and a full offseason of strength and conditioning, it looks as though lighting could strike twice.
Quite simply because he's fresh off an injury and he's still that caliber player.
The front office has cleaned house with a flurry of moves but did address the run game by signing blocking tight end Luke Farrell, extending George Kittle and resigning fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
Moving forward, the focus of this team should be clear. Protect McCaffrey at all costs and get on his back for a piggy-back ride.
Richard Sherman speaks on the contract situation with Jauan Jennings:
"Jauan deserves what he deserves. He had almost 1,000 yards last year. Had 77 catches, just did a great job. Does a great job separating, doing all the dirty work, run blocking, pass blocking. Whatever needs… pic.twitter.com/JfsWJdKzHv
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) July 21, 2025
Jauan Jennings starts and puts up career-high numbers
Is he disgruntled? Maybe. Does he deserve a sizable contract? Definitely.
"Third and Jauan" knows that he won't see wide receiver one money, but a commitment of more than a one-year deal would probably get the job done. He's already gone public with his demands. He's been vocal but kept it respectful. And if we're keeping it real, Jennings has done more than his part to keep the passing game competitive.
So, what would it take for Jennings to get his deal? The jury is still out on that one.
Because what they need from him is to come up big on every third-down play, and he's done that. They need him to step up in the presence of injury, and he's done that too.
Maybe upwards of seventy catches for almost a thousand yards would do the trick? Try again.
Currently, the San Francisco 49ers are in a bit of a pickle. They gave a lot of money to fellow wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and after a pretty complex injury, his future is in question.
Fast forward to the present day and their next man up feels underappreciated. Sounds like it's time to pay the piper.
"Having him back now & the calmness it brings to the players especially me being here knowing what it's supposed to look like. A guy who's been here & done it at a high level."
Fred Warner is thrilled to have Robert Saleh back in the building & running the 49ers defense 😤 pic.twitter.com/QkaOGjA80n
— KNBR (@KNBR) May 29, 2025
The 49ers will boast the best defense in the league
It's certainly a bold prediction, but with the front seven getting more than an offseason facelift, the rookies are ready to shine.
To recap, Lynch and Co. invested their first five picks shoring up the defense, and judging by the tape, they made them count.
Getting to the quarterback should be a lot easier with the rotation of edge rushers Nick Bosa, Bryce Huff and rookie Mykel Williams. Not to mention the log jam in the middle with Jordan Elliott, CJ West and Alfred Collins. That's a lot of strength and agility to put up with for opposing offensive lines.
Linebacker Fred Warner is a defensive staple and should provide the best leadership there is to offer for second-year linebacker Dee Winters and rookie Nick Martin.
Another big change for the 49ers' defense is the return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. The Faithful have high hopes he can replicate—or even surpass—the success that originally earned him a head coaching job in New York.
If the defense can continue its dominance with Saleh leading the charge and an onslaught of rookies, then the 49ers will be an absolute force on that side of the ball for many years to come.