Ricky Pearsall is under real pressure to be the 49ers’ Week 1 spark in 2025. With Brandon Aiyuk likely out four to six games and Jauan Jennings dealing with a calf issue, Pearsall faces a featured role early, surrounded by Russell Gage and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. A productive start could unlock SF’s ceiling; a slow one could derail the early schedule against Seattle and New Orleans. The offense’s success hinges on Pearsall’s progression and how quickly the other top receivers return to form.

His 1.31 yards per route run screams inefficiency, but the late-season surge showed what he can do when given targets. If he builds on that momentum and translates it to a more demanding role against sharper cornerbacks, the 49ers could turn a potentially rough start into “best offense in the NFL” momentum as Aiyuk, Jennings, and Robinson rejoin the lineup.