The NFL Season is nearly upon us. The season kicks off on Wednesday, September 9. Between now and then, we’ll be previewing all 32 NFL Teams along with playoff picks. One team will be previewed each day, beginning with the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks and ending with the New York Jets. Check back each day for the next installment!

The 2025 season didn’t go according to plan for the 49ers. Quarterback Brock Purdy missed a large chunk of the season, Brandon Aiyuk was not available, and Ricky Pearsall struggled to stay on the field. Even George Kittle suffered a major injury, cutting his season short. But Christian McCaffrey was a workman in the backfield, posting a career-high in touches. And Mac Jones proved a more-than-capable backup, as the 49ers won 12 games and made the playoffs. The team lost to the Seahawks in the Divisional Round, but the pieces remain in place for another run in 2026. Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

The 49ers saw a handful of role players leave this off-season. Jauan Jennings, who has been the most reliable wide receiver the past few seasons, left to sign with the Minnesota Vikings. The team also saw receiver Kendrick Bourne leave for the Cardinals, while running back Brian Robinson, Jr., signed with the Atlanta Falcons.

But the 49ers also re-loaded. In free agency, the team added receiver Mike Evans. Evans had 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons to start his career. Last year, injuries limited him to eight games and less than 400 yards, snapping the streak. But Evans is back healthy and ready to roll. The team also brought back receiver Deebo Samuel, who has 72 receptions for 727 yards for the Commanders in 2025, and linebacker Dre Greenlaw. The team also added veteran receiver Christian Kirk.

In the draft, the 49ers made a move to bolster the passing game by selecting De’Zhaun Stribling out of Ole Miss. He played for three college teams in his career, suiting up for Washington State and Oklahoma State before finishing at Ole Miss. He had back-to-back seasons of 50-plus receptions, 800-plus yards and six touchdowns to conclude his college career. The 49ers also added Indiana back Kaelon Black to bolster the backfield. He rushed for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns for the National Champions.

Fantasy Impact

Purdy is the starter at quarterback, and he’s been good when on the field. He finished as QB24 despite only appearing in nine games. He’s a borderline QB1 when healthy. McCaffrey is an incredible weapon. He was RB1 in 2025, and he’s an RB1 when on the field. He had a career-high in touches last season, which is a concern. Behind him is Black, Jordan James, and Isaac Guerendo. It’s likely if McCaffrey is out the team will use a committee approach, so any of the three is worth an end-of-bench roster spot.

The passing game is a work-in-progress. Aiyuk remains on the roster, but he’s at odds with the team and unlikely to play. He has very little fantasy value and has dropped into the cut able range. Pearsall is injured and will miss the season. That leaves Evans, Samuel, Stribling, and Kirk as the likely top targets. I like Evans the best and think he can move back into WR2 range. I like Samuel and Stribling as the next men up. Samuel could be a WR3, but both feel more like WR4s with upside. I’m fading Kirk. At tight end, I love Kittle but he’s recovering from injury. When healthy, he’s a TE1. When he’s out, Jake Tonges is a solid streaming option.

Prediction

The 49ers have the biggest range of outcomes. It wouldn’t be a shock to see them win the NFC West. It also wouldn’t be a shock to see them suffer injuries, close losses, and slip below .500. I would believe any possible outcome. But I’m leaning toward a 10–11-win season and a return to the playoffs.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.