Uncertainty plagues 49ers in latest ESPN power rankings

The San Francisco 49ers have one exhibition game left before turning their full attention to the 2025 NFL regular season. Sitting at 1-1 in preseason play, the team dropped its opener to the Denver Broncos before narrowly defeating the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday. Their preseason finale comes this weekend at Levi's Stadium against the Los Angeles Chargers.

ESPN released its latest NFL power rankings, and while some teams have seen dramatic movement since the post-draft update, the 49ers remain steady at No. 15. Analysts remain cautious about San Francisco's outlook, largely due to the significant roster overhaul this offseason and the team coming off a 6-11 campaign. Several veteran contributors departed, leaving recent draft picks and younger players to step into key roles.

On offense, the 49ers are banking that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk can return to form after suffering ACL and MCL injuries in October 2024. Aiyuk isn't expected back until at least Week 6, and questions remain about how effective he'll be in his return from such a serious injury.

ESPN's Nick Wagoner named Aiyuk the 49ers player under the most pressure heading into 2025.

"The trade rumors surrounding Aiyuk started more than two years ago and seem to never dissipate, despite his signing a massive contract extension in 2024," Wagoner wrote. "Aiyuk is expected to return from his knee injury at some point this season, and his future in San Francisco will likely be determined by how it goes from there."

The stakes are high. San Francisco already parted ways with Deebo Samuel this offseason, and while quarterback Brock Purdy has quickly built chemistry with 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall, the young wideout is only entering his second NFL season. He has yet to prove he can shoulder a top receiving role.

Meanwhile, Jauan Jennings is in the final year of the two-year deal he signed in 2024 and is also dealing with a lingering calf injury, creating more uncertainty for the receiver group.

If Aiyuk struggles to regain his form, the impact could be devastating for the 49ers' offense.

"The Niners would have to eat significant money with little return to part ways with him during or after this season," Wagoner added, "but if he can't return to health and productivity, they might decide it's time to move on and reallocate resources."