Heading into the 2025 NFL Season, most would put the Los Angeles Rams as not only the favorite to win the NFC West, but also a potential contender to win the NFC, and the Super Bowl as a whole.
The Rams won the division last year and were the only team from the division to make the playoffs. They dominated the Minnesota Vikings in the opening round, 27-9, in a game that was moved from a home game at SoFi Stadium to Arizona due to the Los Angeles Wildfires.
They also took the eventual Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles to the brink in the Divisional Round, 28-22. The Eagles would go on to absolutely dominate their next two opponents, beating the Washington Commanders 55-23 in the Conference Championship and beating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in the Super Bowl.
Outside of Cooper Kupp, whom the team decided to move on from, the Rams did not suffer many, if any, substantial losses in free agency, while also gaining WR Davante Adams and re-signing starting left tackle Alaric Jackson.
And yet, after all of this, DraftKings has given the San Francisco 49ers, the last place finisher a year ago, the best odds to win the division.
The 49ers are favored to win the NFC West over the Rams… despite finishing last in the division 😳
— LAFB Network (@LAFBNetwork) May 20, 2025
DraftKings:
49ers: +145
Rams: +200
Disrespect or fair play? 👀 #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/9963gJVXEB
DraftKings Has San Francisco 49ers Favored To Win Division Over Los Angeles Rams
The 49ers finished 6-11 last season, good enough for dead-last in the NFC West. They were swept by the Los Angeles Rams both times they faced them in the regular season.
Now, 2025 is a brand new season, with new opportunities and new possibilities. However, the losses that the 49ers suffered during the offseason are significant. Here are some of their key departures:
- WR Deebo Samuel (Traded)
- DT Javon Hargrave
- LB Leonard Floyd
- LB Dre Greenlaw
- S Talanoa Hufunga
- CB Charvarius Ward
While losing this many starters, the Niners did not sign any notable free agents, outside of extending quarterback Brock Purdy to a lucrative contract.
Also Read: Keep Or Cut? Which 2023 Los Angeles Rams Draft Picks Earned A 2nd Contract
Despite all this, DraftKings puts the 49ers at +145 to win the division, while putting the Rams at +200.
The 49ers and Kyle Shanahan were able to bring back their defensive coordinator in Robert Saleh, so that should help improve the defense. But outside of that, on paper, it is hard to see San Francisco being a viable contender this year, especially with a Los Angeles Rams team that is looking to build upon its divisional appearance from one year ago.
Ultimately, however, this is why they play the games.
Thoughts, Ramily?