Early predictions for 2025 are mixed. Some analysts believe the 49ers could face another tough season, but others are more hopeful. One bold projection even has San Francisco finishing 12-5, double their win total from a year ago. That may be a bit ambitious considering the roster turnover this offseason, but it's not out of the question.
So, why did Sullivan put the 49ers in the "winners" category after the NFL's big schedule reveal? It essentially comes down to the relative ease of their 2025 schedule.
"The San Francisco 49ers were hit hard by injuries in 2024, which helped derail their season," Sullivan wrote. "As they look to leave last season well behind them in the rearview mirror, their fortunes are looking up in 2025. Based on their opponents' combined over/under win total for the upcoming season, San Francisco has the fourth-easiest schedule in the NFL."
It gets even better when looking at last year's win percentages. Based on their 2024 opponents' records, the 49ers have the easiest strength of schedule in the league. Their 2025 opponents posted a combined league-low winning percentage of .415 last season.
"The Niners also square off against just three teams that made the playoffs in 2024: Los Angeles Rams (twice), Houston Texans, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers," Sullivan noted.
Even better, San Francisco will have faced all three playoff opponents by Week 10. That sets up a favorable final stretch of the season, featuring matchups against teams like the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and Chicago Bears. And they'll even get a nice little break during that stretch.
"The Niners also have a well-situated bye week coming in Week 14," Sullivan noted. "After that, three of their final four games on the season are at home, with their lone road game being in Indianapolis to face the Colts."
The 49ers' schedule may be exactly what they need in 2025—a chance to bounce back from a frustrating season, with time for their overhauled defense to find its footing.
H/t to Peter Panacy of Niner Noise for the find.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers practice and media schedule ahead of Week 15 matchup vs. Titans
The San Francisco 49ers will hold four full practices this week as they prepare for their Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. The schedule includes a bonus Monday practice as the team returns from its bye week. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, defensive coordinator Robert... -
The Stat No One's Talking About That Could Define the 49ers' 2025 Season
A lot has been written about the outstanding performance of San Francisco's coaching staff this year. Head coach Kyle Shanahan deserves all the praise for the work he's done with the offense and the overall team chemistry. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, of course, is... -
Schefter highlights 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey's historic 2025 season
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is putting together a season for the history books. While he's averaging a career-low 3.6 yards per carry, his versatility as a playmaker in both the running and passing game makes him one of quarterback Brock Purdy's most... -
49ers rookie Kurtis Rourke explains why recent roster move is so important
The San Francisco 49ers opened rookie quarterback Kurtis Rourke's practice window on Monday, giving the team 21 days to evaluate the young signal-caller as he works to prove he is healthy after undergoing surgery in January to repair a torn ACL, an injury he played through in...