What’s the biggest reason for optimism for the 49ers in 2025?

The San Francisco 49ers have plenty of reasons to be optimistic ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Robert Saleh has returned as the Defensive Coordinator and helped revamp the 49ers' defensive line and run defense. Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Fred Warner signed massive contract extensions before training camp, and Kyle Shanahan gets Christian McCaffrey back at full health with Brandon Aiyuk returning eventually.

You can add the easiest strength of schedule, as the 49ers finished 6-11 in 2024. The development of Malik Mustapha, Ricky Pearsall, Renardo Green, and Dominick Puni will be exciting to see in their second seasons. All of these factors have the 49ers as the betting favorites to win the NFC West.

Should the optimism around the team be based solely on the bounce-back injury luck in 2025?

Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus believes so.

One of many reasons the 49ers missed the postseason last season was a slew of injuries to their star players. Only four of their offensive starters played in all 17 games last season. Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk both played fewer than 400 snaps. Trent Williams didn’t play after Week 11. The defensive line was decimated by the end of the season, as well.

San Francisco should see improvement simply due to their star players returning to full strength.

Health is the biggest factor facing any NFL team, but the 49ers have faced some extreme circumstances in recent years. The 49ers' offense was able to move the ball in between the twenties last season, but struggled in the red zone and settled for far too many field goals. McCaffrey’s return should help solve the red zone woes.

Of course, the 49ers' defense struggled last season and will improve under Saleh. Stopping the run will allow the 49ers' “Nascar” package to get after the quarterback and end drives on third down. The secondary was excellent last season, and that should continue in 2025.

There are many reasons for optimism in 2025, but health will be the determining factor for success with the 49ers.