The outcome?
Frelund projects the 49ers to finish with nearly 10 wins (9.9, to be exact), which would be enough to secure the NFC West crown. Only three teams earned higher win projections—the Philadelphia Eagles (11.0), Washington Commanders (10.2), and Detroit Lions (10.0).
"The Niners' fourth-place finish last season turned into a real W for Kyle Shanahan's squad," Frelund noted, "at least in terms of how the league's scheduling formula works, with the biggest threat among fellow 2024 fourth-placers on the 2025 slate being the Bears -- and they don't come to town until Week 17, by which time there should be plenty of clarity around this season."
As for the rest of the NFC West, the Los Angeles Rams trail closely behind San Francisco with a 9.7-win projection, followed by the Seattle Seahawks (8.1) and Arizona Cardinals (8.0).
"As of now, San Francisco doesn't have back-to-back games in which it is not favored to win, even factoring in all the defensive turnover this offseason," Frelund added.
The 49ers lost several key defensive contributors this offseason, including Dre Greenlaw, Charvarius Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Leonard Floyd. They used their 11 draft picks to replenish the roster.
While it may take time for the defense to find its rhythm under returning coordinator Robert Saleh, San Francisco benefits from having the easiest strength of schedule in the NFL, giving the team a solid opportunity to grow and contend.
H/t to Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated for the find.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers practice and media schedule ahead of preseason opener vs. Titans
The San Francisco 49ers will hold two full practices this week as they prepare for their preseason matchup against the Tennessee Titans. One of the practices will be a planned joint session in Santa Clara between the 49ers and Titans. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak is... -
How Kyle Shanahan helped convince Mike Evans to join the 49ers
Wide receiver Mike Evans spent the first 12 seasons of his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he became a franchise icon and one of the most respected players in team history. That made his decision to leave Tampa Bay and sign with the San Francisco 49ers in free... -
49ers' Fred Warner shares players' reaction to Kyle Shanahan addressing the team
Although San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan hasn't been able to take on his full-time duties at the start of training camp, he has remained a visible presence around the facility. As he continues recovering from the injuries he suffered in a July 14 car accident,... -
49ers' Trent Williams climbs in NFL Top 100 Players of 2026 rankings
A fourth San Francisco 49ers player has earned a spot on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026 list. Twelve-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Trent Williams came in at No. 40, climbing five spots from his No. 45 ranking in 2025. No. 40 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026…@49ers OT...