Finally, some good news for the 49ers.
Their offseason was widely panned by critics -- both Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Focus gave the 49ers a "D" grade for their moves. That's because they let nine starting players go and replaced them with rookies and second-year players. Call it the Moneyball approach to football.
Fortunately, the 49ers were one of the big winners of the NFL's schedule release according to CBS Sports.
"The San Francisco 49ers were hit hard by injuries in 2024, which helped derail their season," writes CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan. "As they look to leave last season well behind them in the rearview mirror, their fortunes are looking up in 2025. Based on their opponents' combined over/under win total for the upcoming season, San Francisco has the fourth-easiest schedule in the NFL.
"The Niners also square off against just three teams that made the playoffs in 2024: Los Angeles Rams (twice), Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Niners also have a well-situated bye week coming in Week 14. After that, three of their final four games on the season are at home, with their lone road game being in Indianapolis to face the Colts."
Sullivan makes excellent points. The 49ers' schedule certainly is favorable.
Unfortunately for the 49ers, every other team in the NFC West has a relatively favorable schedule as well. And the 49ers were 1-5 against their division opponents last season. And they're still at the mercy of their oldest player, Trent Williams.
When Williams is out, the 49ers are 4-12 since 2020. Their offensive line is one of the worst in the league without him. Last season, he missed the final seven games with an ankle injury.
How many games will he miss this year? He hasn't played a full season since 2013.
The answer to that question will determine how successful the 49ers are.