06-02-2025, 05:50 PM
(06-02-2025, 01:50 PM)Mick Wrote: The 49ers finished last in the NFC West last year with a 6-11 record. The NFL rewards that futility by giving the 49ers the easiest schedule in 2025 based upon collective 2024 W/L record of their 2025 opponents.
Which brings to mind a question. As of the end of the 2024 NFL season, seven teams in NFL history have gone from last place to the Super Bowl in the following season. Five of those seven won the Super Bowl. Those seven teams represent five NFL Divisions.
Which seven teams were they?
Actually, only three opponents (Chicago, NY Giants, Cleveland) were determined by SF’s last place finish in 2024. The rest of the schedule, including the fortuitous AFC South and NFC South rotation, was determined years ago.
In 2026, the Niners will play teams from the NFC East, AFC West, their usual home and home v. NFC West opponents and three games to be determined by the order of finish (NFC North, NFC South and AFC East).