USA Today predicts 49ers turnaround in 2025—but with a heartbreaking end

USA Today's Nate Davis recently shared his full-season prediction for the 2025 NFL season, including his projected Super Bowl matchup and winner. While the San Francisco 49ers don't make it to the big game, Davis forecasts a strong bounce-back campaign following their disappointing 2024 season.

The 49ers finished 2024 with a 6-11 record, landing in last place in the NFC West. A rash of injuries played a major role in the team's struggles, prompting a significant offseason roster overhaul. Now, with a mix of experienced veterans, promising young talent, and better luck on the health front, San Francisco is hoping for a return to playoff form.

Davis believes they'll get there. He projects the 49ers to finish the 2025 regular season at 11-6, good enough to win the NFC West and secure the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. Interestingly, Davis has the Los Angeles Rams also finishing 11-6, but coming in second in the division and landing the No. 6 seed.

One major reason behind the 49ers' projected success—the strength of schedule. Davis points out that San Francisco faces the AFC South and NFC South in 2025, along with three other last-place finishers from 2024, giving them the easiest schedule in the NFL.

"San Francisco opens with four 2024 non-playoff teams and finishes with seven of the same," Davis wrote. "Make no mistake, a new-look defense has much to prove, and the team's best players – RB Christian McCaffrey, LT Trent Williams, WR Brandon Aiyuk – have to stay on the field, and Aiyuk (knee) may not be ready for Week 1."

Unfortunately, the magical bounce-back season is projected to end in heartache. Davis doesn't foresee a deep playoff run. He predicts the 49ers will fall in the Wild Card round—ironically, to the same Rams team they beat for the division title.

The Rams then go on to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in a rematch of their hard-fought 2024 postseason battle, but ultimately fall to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game.

As for the Super Bowl, Davis has the Baltimore Ravens emerging victorious over the Packers in Super Bowl LX, scheduled to be played at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, the home of the 49ers.