Captains’ Code: Breaking Down 2025 NFL Team DNA — San Francisco 49ers
Edition #292
Everyone’s doing season previews — but we’re doing something different. The
Captains’ Code is all about what really makes or breaks an NFL team. It’s not just about rosters or vibes. It’s about the identity, the pressure points, the bold calls, and the one thing that could send everything crashing down… or finally take them over the top. No filler. Just straight-up football breakdowns that tell you what actually matters heading into 2025.
The X-Factor That Will Make or Break This Season
WR Ricky Pearsall. Kyle Shanahan has made a lot of receivers look good over the years, but this room is thinner than it’s been in a long time. With Deebo Samuel now in Washington and Brandon Aiyuk sidelined until at least Week 6 after knee surgery, San Francisco needs Pearsall to step up immediately. He finished last season strong, but he was recovering from a gunshot wound and didn’t play the whole season. Hamstring issues kept limiting him this offseason. If he can stay healthy and replicate that late-season form, the 49ers have a good chance of making the playoffs.
Last Year’s Numbers:
In the 2024 NFL regular season, the San Francisco 49ers offense was strong, ranking 14th in points scored with 22.9 per game. They were 4th in passing yards per game with 249.1 and 12th in rushing yards per game with 127.2. Overall, the 49ers offense ranked 4th in total yards per game with 376.3. Defensively, they allowed 436 points, ranking 26th in the league. They allowed 192.8 opponent passing yards per game. The defense registered 36 sacks. Their turnover differential was -10, ranking 27th overall.
Key Player(s) to Watch: The Heroes and the Wild Cards
RB Christian McCaffrey. The 2023 Offensive Player of the Year was derailed by injuries in 2024, raising questions about whether the 29-year-old can still handle a heavy workload. If McCaffrey is healthy, the 49ers’ offense can still be elite. If not, San Francisco has a massive problem on its hands, as their RB depth has never been the strongest.
Coaching: What’s Different This Year?
The 49ers brought back Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator after his stint as Jets head coach. On offense, Shanahan promoted Brian Griese to full-time quarterbacks coach while keeping the overall scheme intact.
The Bold Prediction
Bryce Huff bounces back with at least seven sacks. His lone year in Philadelphia was a flop, but in 2023, he put up 10 sacks and a top-10 pass rush win rate (22%). A reunion with Saleh’s system could unlock that version of Huff again, giving San Francisco the disruptive presence it needs off the edge.
The Realistic Win Total & Why
7–10. I’m still not sold on this roster. McCaffrey is injury-prone, Brock Purdy is coming off a rough season, and the WR room is in shambles. The schedule is favorable, which might keep them in the playoff picture, but even if they sneak in, they don’t look like a serious contender.
The Biggest Question Mark Heading Into 2025
Can Brock Purdy and the offense survive until Aiyuk returns, or will the lack of weapons sink them before midseason?
My Takeaway
Shanahan still gives San Francisco an edge in most coaching matchups, but his margin for error is shrinking. Saleh’s return could help the defense bounce back, yet the offense feels more fragile than it has in years.
7-10 and Shanahan is gone.