The San Francisco 49ers are looking to rebound from a dismal 6-11 season and aim for a turnaround in 2025. Health is a critical factor, as injuries plagued key player performance last season. Charles Davis of CBS Sports pointed out a weakening NFC West as a potential opportunity for San Francisco to capitalize and improve their standing. With vital players returning to form, the 49ers can leverage their talent and the relatively softer competition in their division to achieve a better record this coming season.

The Las Vegas Raiders' defense faced a significant transformation from 2017 to 2020, struggling to find consistency and ranking poorly in points and yards allowed. However, Erik Harris emerged as a key player on defense, starting 30 out of 61 games during that time. After his tenure with the Raiders, Harris played for the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers but failed to find a spot in the NFL for the 2024 season, leading to his recent retirement.

The Raiders' efforts to revamp their defensive strategy over the years have drawn attention, particularly with the release of Harris. His departure marks the end of an era, as the team pivots further to reshape its identity in Las Vegas.

As the NFL free agency period winds down, the San Francisco 49ers have focused on retaining their core players rather than pursuing new signings. With their top wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk, sidelined for at least a month, the team faces a pressing need to identify a temporary replacement. Among the available free agents, veterans such as Amari Cooper and Keenan Allen are prime candidates to fill this gap, providing the 49ers with much-needed offensive support as they prepare for the upcoming season.

In PPR leagues, targeting specific wide receivers can yield a significant advantage, especially when traditional scoring methodologies are considered. Players like Zay Flowers of the Baltimore Ravens illustrate this shift. Flowers has demonstrated increased efficiency with deeper targets and significant volume, making him a must-add in PPR leagues. Despite the Ravens' struggles to maintain a stable receiving corps, Flowers' unique skillset positions him as their top target, especially with aging veterans on the roster.

Similarly, Chris Godwin from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is another player to consider for PPR formats. His ability to dominate in the slot post-injury enhances his value, but his potential for touchdowns in standard scoring limits his appeal. Lastly, Jauan Jennings from the San Francisco 49ers shows promise due to his target earning capability, but his lack of consistent performance makes him a less reliable asset in standard leagues.

Avoiding costly busts is crucial in assembling a successful best ball roster for 2025. One standout candidate to fade is Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers. Despite his impressive career, nagging injuries and advancing age raise concerns about his effectiveness. McCaffrey's history of leg injuries coupled with heavy usage leads to doubts about drafting him in the first round, especially with his age-29 season approaching.

Saquon Barkley, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, is another risky pick. He had a stellar 2024, but a shift to a more balanced offensive approach could diminish his opportunities. His dependency on rushing, without the high target volume he enjoyed earlier in his career, makes him less appealing as a premium pick in 2025.

Lastly, Jayden Reed from the Green Bay Packers has shown promise but is hindered by an offensive scheme that limits his routes and targets. While he displayed efficiency and rushing potential, a lack of opportunities in a run-heavy offense severely caps his upside. Avoiding these players will be key for fantasy success in the upcoming season.