49ers Have Easiest Strength of Schedule in NFL for 2025 After Schedule Release

The NFL unveiled its full 2025 schedule for all 32 teams on Wednesday night, revealing notable disparities in the difficulty of opponents each franchise will face this coming season.

A completely balanced schedule has been elusive for the league, meaning that some teams could end up with an easier path to the playoffs, regardless of their performance in 2024. Forecasting the true strength of a schedule is notoriously challenging, as NFL rosters and coaching staffs can shift dramatically from year to year through free agency, the draft, and front office changes.

Last season, the Washington Commanders benefited from the second-easiest schedule in the league and capitalized with a strong 12-5 record and an appearance in the NFC Championship game, showing how a favorable schedule can affect postseason prospects.

For the upcoming 2025 campaign, three teams stand out for having the lowest opponent win percentages based on the 2024 results:

• San Francisco 49ers: After representing the NFC in Super Bowl LVIII, the 49ers suffered a disappointing 6-11 season last year. However, their 2025 slate appears much more manageable: their opponents posted a combined .415 win percentage in 2024, the lowest in the league. San Francisco will only play four games against teams that made last season’s playoffs, two of which are divisional matchups with the Los Angeles Rams. The lighter schedule could be exactly what the 49ers need as they look to return to postseason contention.
  
• New Orleans Saints: The Saints hold the second-easiest schedule this year, with a collective opponent win percentage of just .419. New Orleans is coming off a challenging 5-12 season and now faces added uncertainty following the surprise retirement of quarterback Derek Carr. With less daunting competition on paper, the Saints may find a pathway back to playoff relevance as they adjust to a new offensive leadership dynamic.
  
• New England Patriots: In Mike Vrabel’s debut season as head coach, the Patriots hope to rebound from a 4-13 finish. Their 2025 opposition had a combined win percentage of .429 in 2024, ranking as the third-easiest schedule in the league. Notably, the AFC East will square off against both the NFC South and AFC North—divisions that collectively produced three playoff teams in 2024. That said, the relatively softer schedule could provide the Patriots with opportunities for crucial early-season wins as they work toward a playoff push under new leadership.

While predicting record projections remains speculative, these scheduling advantages could offer San Francisco, New Orleans, and New England potential momentum as they enter the new NFL season.