The 49ers knew they were playing a last-place schedule in 2025, but there's more news that'll benefit them this season.
A year ago, the San Francisco 49ers had the 12th-toughest schedule after narrowly losing the Super Bowl the previous February.
Ultimately, the Niners fell victim to a challenging schedule (and a litany of other problems) en route to a frustrating 6-11 campaign and last-place finish within the NFC West.
Finishing dead last aided San Francisco to an extent in 2025, meaning head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co. would receive a last-place schedule in the new year, although that would only apply to the three at-large games that extend beyond matchups against the AFC South, the NFC South and the in-division games against the rest of the NFC West.
The 49ers have known their opponents for 2025 for some time, although the official schedule release won't take place until Wednesday, May 14:
Home
- Arizona Cardinals
- Los Angeles Rams
- Seattle Seahawks
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tennessee Titans
- Chicago Bears
Away
- Arizona Cardinals
- Los Angeles Rams
- Seattle Seahawks
- Cleveland Browns
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- New Orleans Saints
- New York Giants
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Despite playing one more away game than at home, the Niners can take full advantage of yet another facet of their 2025 NFL schedule.
49ers to have NFL's easiest strength of schedule for 2025
Like the opponents, San Francisco's upcoming strength of schedule has been known for some time, at least based on last year's win/loss records:
We're just one week away from the full NFL schedule release 🥳
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) May 7, 2025
Here's a look at which teams have the hardest and easiest strength of schedule ⬇️
(h/t @SharpFootball) pic.twitter.com/eWMx2Z9Ia6
The 49ers have the easiest schedule in this regard, but there's even more data to suggest they'll have a smoother ride in attempting to get back into the playoffs this year.
Using Vegas oddsmakers win/loss prediction totals for the upcoming season, Sharp Football still projected the Niners to have the easiest strength of schedule for 2025, following the same pattern for the top five as listed by Fox Sports above:
- San Francisco 49ers
- New England Patriots
- New Orleans Saints
- Atlanta Falcons
- Buffalo Bills
San Francisco certainly won't complain, particularly if less-challenging opponents wind up being on the docket in contrast to previous years when Shanahan's team had to face elite competition.
Of course, the 49ers have to win the games they play, and no strength of schedule should serve as a guarantee for succes.
But, the Niners would much prefer to be on the lighter side than the more challenging one.