49ers Projected Top-10 Offense, Bottom-7 Defense in 2025 NFL

The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2025 NFL season with a strong offense but a struggling defense. Their offense, led by coach Kyle Shanahan and featuring key players like Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Brock Purdy, is projected to rank in the top 10, despite the loss of Deebo Samuel and some injuries. The receiving corps, though uncertain due to injuries to Brandon Aiyuk and the departure of Samuel, is surprisingly ranked fifth by Pro Football Focus, thanks in part to McCaffrey's receiving prowess. Defensively, the 49ers are expected to face challenges, with Pro Football Network ranking them 26th due to inconsistencies and a reliance on young, unproven players alongside veterans like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa. The team is also exploring adding veteran safety Justin Simmons to bolster a secondary weakened by departures and injuries. Overall, the 49ers are seen as a team with offensive promise but defensive questions, aiming to rebound from a difficult 2024 season.