49ers’ Reality Check: Can They Overcome ESPN’s Harsh Assessment for 2025?

As the 2024 NFL season closes with the Philadelphia Eagles emerging victorious in Super Bowl LIX, the focus now shifts to the offseason. For the San Francisco 49ers, the upcoming 2025 season is crucial, but ESPN’s early power ranking offers a sobering reality check, placing them 13th out of 32 teams.

Surprisingly, even this ranking feels generous, given that the 49ers are ahead of teams like the Broncos (10-7 in 2024), Seahawks (10-7), Buccaneers (10-7), Steelers (10-7), and the Cardinals, who defeated the 49ers twice last season.

The 49ers ended their season with a disappointing 6-11 record. However, optimism stems from the return of Robert Saleh as their defensive coordinator and an easier schedule than last year. Yet, the challenge remains in free agency, as extending key players like Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and possibly Dre Greenlaw will limit their ability to improve the roster.

Key veterans such as Trent Williams and Christian McCaffrey must stay healthy and perform at an elite level for an entire season, a tall order given their recent injury histories. Meanwhile, teams like the Commanders, Lions, and Cardinals are expected to aggressively pursue free agents this offseason, further complicating the 49ers’ path to success.

The 49ers appear to be trailing behind teams who themselves are chasing the Eagles. To replicate Philadelphia’s roster, San Francisco needs to invest heavily in their draft picks, particularly focusing on the trenches over the next two years.

As one analyst put it, “No one is scared of the 49ers anymore.”

Despite the grim outlook, the 49ers’ potential for improvement rests on their strategic decisions in the offseason and draft. The challenge is clear: Can the 49ers defy expectations and rise to Super Bowl contention once again? Only time will tell.