49ers' George Kittle fires back at 'easiest schedule' narrative

The San Francisco 49ers are aiming to bounce back from a disappointing 6-11 finish in 2024, and many analysts believe they have a favorable path to do so. Based on projected strength of schedule—a metric that measures the difficulty of opponents based on last season's results—the 49ers' 2025 schedule ranks as the easiest in the NFL.

San Francisco will face teams from the AFC South and NFC South this year, along with three other 2024 last-place finishers. In total, the 49ers will face just three playoff squads from last season—the Los Angeles Rams (twice), the Houston Texans, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

On paper, that could set the 49ers up to contend for the NFC West crown and vastly improve on last year's record. But star tight end George Kittle isn't buying into the "easy schedule" narrative.

"That's what's crazy. The Niners have the 'easiest' strength of schedule this year. It's like -- it's the NFL," Kittle told former teammate Richard Sherman on his podcast, per Tristi Rodriguez of NBC Sports Bay Area. "It's hard regardless. Sure, we're not going up against the No. 1s of every conference or division. But still, it's an NFL game. You still have to go out and perform at an incredibly high level because every team is doing that same s--t.

"So what are you talking about, easiest schedule? Relax. I still have to go out and play for 60 minutes and find a way to get a dub."

Injuries were a major factor in the 49ers' 2024 struggles. Standouts Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams each missed significant time, but are healthy now. The offense also hopes to get wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk back at some point in the season, potentially providing a boost to the receiver corps.

The roster also underwent a significant offseason overhaul as the 49ers prepared for life without a quarterback on a rookie contract. In May, San Francisco signed Brock Purdy to a five-year, $265 million extension, prompting several veteran departures ahead of the massive commitment. The front office is counting on contributions from its 11 draft picks to help offset those losses.

"No one likes to lose," Kittle added. "Usually, the teams that didn't play well last year are the most hungry to go out there and do it again anyway. So you're getting the most hungry damn teams every single year."

Kittle and the 49ers will kick off the 2025 regular season on the road against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on September 7.