The Ringer NFL Show Making the Case for the NFC's Top Playoff Sleeper With Danny Heifetz
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Aug 18, 2025 Danny Heifetz from The Ringer Fantasy Football Show joins Sheil to explore dark horse playoff contenders in the NFC for 2025. They break down the San Francisco 49ers' favorable schedule and discuss the importance of player health, spotlighting Marvin Harrison Jr.'s offseason gains. The conversation also delves into the Dallas Cowboys' challenges and skepticism around the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals. Excitement builds for the upcoming season as they analyze team dynamics and the unpredictable nature of playoff races.
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49ers Benefit From Easiest Schedule
- The San Francisco 49ers have the easiest schedule in the league, playing weak divisions like the NFC South and AFC South.
- That scheduling swing plus coaching and manageable roster turnover makes them an obvious playoff candidate.
Coaching Depth Powers San Francisco
- Kyle Shanahan remains an elite coach with repeated deep NFC runs and the 49ers have an offensive ceiling if healthy.
- Robert Saleh's return as defensive coordinator is underrated and could stabilize San Francisco's defense.
Turnover Feels Like Renewal
- Christian McCaffrey's health and younger replacements for departed veterans mitigate perceived free-agent losses.
- The Niners' roster turnover looks more like renewal than collapse, supporting a bounce-back season.