Will the 49ers Reclaim the NFC West Title in 2025?

The San Francisco 49ers had what many would consider a "down year" in 2024, finishing with a 6-11 record. After entering the season as the favorites to win the NFC West, many are left wondering what went wrong. Factors such as contract issues, injuries, and a challenging schedule filled with unusual obstacles all contributed to their disappointing performance.

Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk Holdout

Trent Williams' contract extension went more smoothly than Brandon Aiyuk's, but both players missed significant training time. At first glance, this may not seem like a major issue, especially since both are exemplary professionals. However, it's not just about the individuals; it's about the team's overall cohesion. Coach Kyle Shanahan's offensive scheme relies heavily on zone running, which demands strong teamwork.

In zone running, offensive linemen must read the defense and execute blocks, sometimes targeting second-level defenders. This requires a specific degree of mobility, where size is sometimes less emphasized, unless you have a Trent Williams. Williams is an exceptional talent, possessing a rare combination of size, speed, and skill. His mere presence alters the dynamics of a game, forcing defenses to adjust, thus easing the workload for his teammates. However, the offensive line spent the offseason without him, which likely resulted in a learning curve for the other linemen.

Brandon Aiyuk also significantly impacts how the 49ers function offensively. He has a knack for detecting soft spots in defenses and capitalizing on them for big gains, alleviating pressure on other receivers and opening up the run game. When Aiyuk was injured, the 49ers struggled to find a receiver capable of consistently getting open. While Juan Jennings performed well, he does not possess the same speed and vision as Aiyuk.

Scheduling Challenges

The 49ers faced a particularly tough schedule in the 2024 season. Not only were they the NFL's most-traveled team, but they also played against four teams coming off bye weeks: the Chiefs, Cowboys, Seahawks, and Bills. Unfortunately, this kind of scheduling disadvantage seems to occur frequently for the Niners. When must-win games are compounded by facing well-rested opponents, the chances of success diminish, especially given the high injury rate the 49ers experienced.

Why the 49ers Will Win the NFC West

The 49ers have learned from their struggles last season regarding contract management. They have addressed this by avoiding drama and completing contract negotiations well in advance of the season, resulting in high-profile extensions for George Kittle, Fred Warner, and Brock Purdy. Additionally, the team entered the draft with a clear strategy—to completely revamp their struggling defensive line and find a replacement for Dre Greenlaw in Nick Martin.

Finally, the god of scheduling seems to be on the 49ers' side, as they've been given one of the easiest schedules this year.

The 49ers were not a bad team last season; they faced unique challenges and had their flaws. However, they have improved and should be expected to take full advantage of the opportunities presented to them this year.