Why ESPN projects the 49ers to miss the NFL playoffs again in 2025

The 2024 season was a major disappointment for the San Francisco 49ers. After finishing with a 6-11 record, the team missed the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2020. As the 2025 season approaches, fans are hopeful for a rebound, but significant roster turnover and lingering injuries have analysts questioning whether the 49ers can return to contention.

One advantage San Francisco does have is a favorable schedule. Thanks to last year's last-place finish in the NFC West, the 49ers will face the NFL's easiest slate of opponents, based on 2024 strength of schedule.

"They do not play any of the league's eight Super Bowl favorites, per ESPN Bet odds (Ravens, Lions, Eagles, Bills, Chiefs, Packers, Bengals, Commanders), and have many attractive matchups against underwhelming NFC South and AFC South teams," wrote ESPN's Mike Clay in his annual NFL projections.

Despite that advantage, Clay projects the 49ers to miss the postseason again in 2025. He ranks San Francisco just 19th overall among all NFL teams, citing injuries and defensive uncertainty as significant concerns.

Injuries were a defining theme of last season, and they continue to plague the team before Week 1 of 2025. Star wideout Brandon Aiyuk is still recovering from ACL and MCL injuries, second-year receiver Jacob Cowing is on injured reserve with a torn hamstring, and rookie Jordan Watkins is battling a high-ankle sprain. To make matters worse, veteran Demarcus Robinson was suspended for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.

"As usual, Kyle Shanahan's offense figures to be very good, but injuries at wide receiver are already piling up -- the 49ers aren't sure if Jauan Jennings will be available for Week 1," Clay explained. "The big red flag here is a defense that had many notable departures, leaving the 49ers with big concerns at defensive tackle, corner, and safety. Edge rusher Nick Bosa and new coordinator Robert Saleh will have their work cut out for them."

With questions on both sides of the ball, Clay believes the 49ers face an uphill battle despite one of the league's most favorable schedules. If San Francisco can't stay healthy and adjust to its offseason departures, he believes the team could once again fall short of the playoffs in 2025.