ESPN’s Mike Clay released his annual projections and has Christian McCaffrey returning to his MVP self.
The San Francisco 49ers want to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign. You name it, and it didn’t go in the team’s favor last season. The Niners’ attempt to get rid of the dead weight should pay off, while the rookie class, coaching upgrades, and regression in terms of health and luck should mean we see a team closer to an 11-win team as opposed to a 6-win club.
ESPN’s Mike Clay puts out annual projections every offseason. Predicting what will happen for the 49ers is nearly impossible heading into 2025. Who will be WR1 with Brandon Aiyuk sidelined? Will Christian McCaffrey’s workload lighten up to preserve him all season? And that’s just one side of the ball.
Here are Clay’s projections:
Purdy’s interception total is identical to 2023 and one fewer than last season. His 22 touchdowns are two more than last season but eight fewer than he had in 2023. We do see a spike in yardage from a season ago, which makes sense, given Aiyuk returning and Pearsall evolving in Year 2.
McCaffrey comes close to 1,500 yards from scrimmage. That would be a welcomed sight, as would CMC playing 14 games. Guerendo rushing for nearly 600 yards is a sign the offensive line, particularly Trent Williams, stays healthy.
At receiver, Jauan Jennings leads the team in targets and receiving. Clay’s projections have Aiyuk returning at the halfway point. Jennings comes close to 1,000 yards in his absence, but Pearsall is on his heels at 882. Demarcus Robinson assumes the WR3 spot. It would be disappointing if Jacob Cowing finished the season with eight targets.
George Kittle ends up leading the team in receptions. Kyle Shanahan would be wise to involve Kittle as much as possible, taking the pressure off Jennings and Pearsall. Isn’t that the point of extending Kittle? To feature him? One would think.
On the defensive side of the ball, Nick Bosa tops his sack total from the previous two seasons. Mykel Williams is second, but no other player has more than five.
The team interception total of 13 feels low. Renardo Green has the team lead at 2.8, but nobody else has more than two. Fred Warner has three seasons with at least two, including four in 2023. Lenoir had three in 2023 and two last season. I’d expect both players to have at least two in 2025. That’s where coaching and putting players in a position to make a play should be factored in.
Do any of these projections feel off? Accurate?