The San Francisco 49ers are poised to rebound from a lackluster 2025 NFL season that saw them finish with a disappointing 6-11 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020. The franchise now faces a crucial 2025 season, with a schedule that includes matchups against fellow fourth-place teams like the Chicago Bears, New York Giants, and Cleveland Browns, which could provide a lifeline for a quick turnaround.

Despite these opportunities, Pro Football Network forecasts a challenging path ahead, predicting the 49ers will not qualify for the playoffs once again, with the Arizona Cardinals forecasted to win the NFC West. While the 49ers' roster boasts stars like Trent Williams and Christian McCaffrey, their offseason actions and health concerns leave doubts about their playoff viability. Draft investments in their defense signal a focus on improvement, but whether it translates to on-field success remains to be seen.