The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2025 NFL season as one of the league's most intriguing teams. Despite a disappointing 6-11 finish last year, the roster still features elite talent, including Fred Warner, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Trent Williams, Nick Bosa, and others. But beyond their star power, depth remains a pressing question mark—more so than in recent seasons.
This offseason, San Francisco underwent a significant roster overhaul as it prepared for the long-term cap implications of quarterback Brock Purdy's contract extension. With less financial flexibility ahead, the 49ers must prove that 2024 was just an injury-riddled anomaly, not the start of a decline.
CBS Sports writer Jeff Kerr recently evaluated all 32 NFL teams, projecting both their ceiling and floor for 2025. He remains bullish on the 49ers, predicting playoff appearances in both scenarios. According to Kerr, San Francisco's ceiling is a 12-5 record with an NFC Championship Game appearance.
"If there's any team that will have a turnaround this season, it's the 49ers," Kerr wrote. "They had another Super Bowl hangover under Kyle Shanahan, as San Francisco was decimated by injuries last year. San Francisco lost a lot of talent in free agency, but the core pieces on offense and defense are still intact.
"If Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Trent Williams are healthy, this offense is going to score points. San Francisco also has a favorable schedule to stack up wins. The 49ers will put themselves in position to compete for a Super Bowl."
Kerr's projected floor still lands the 49ers in the postseason, though at a more modest 10-7 record with a Wild-Card exit. To avoid that outcome, San Francisco must stay healthier than it did a season ago.
"There will be questions surrounding Brock Purdy if McCaffrey and Kittle are injured, but the 49ers quarterback is really good when his supporting cast is all on the field," Kerr wrote. "Injuries appear to be the only thing that will slow down this team, but there are questions regarding the depth at wide receiver, offensive line, and in the secondary."
Adding to the optimism, San Francisco benefits from what's projected to be the NFL's easiest 2025 schedule based on last year's results—a major advantage in their push to bounce back from last season's disappointing finish.
"Even if the 49ers' problems come to light, the schedule is significantly in their favor. This should be a playoff team in 2025," Kerr concluded.
With a favorable path ahead and a hungry roster eager to rebound, the 49ers' 2025 ceiling could put them right back into contention in the NFC—if they can stay healthy.