C
ould the San Francisco 49ers be looking at two straight playoff seasons? If the predictions about their schedule are true, then it is very likely that we will see the 49ers back in the NFL playoffs for a second straight season. Despite finishing the 2025 season at 12-5 and returning to the playoffs after a one year absence, the 49ers finished third in the NFC West– meaning that once again, they are projected to get a very favorable schedule for 2026 full of teams that finished third in their respective divisions last season as well. And for a 49ers’ team that looks much different than in years past, an easier schedule will help.
Last year, the 49ers benefited from a last place schedule after struggling in 2024. Facing teams such as the rebuilding Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants, among others, the 49ers went on a tear in the second half of the season to propel them into the playoffs. Now, it looks like 2026 will be very similar for a team eager to win the franchise’s sixth Super Bowl.
When Will the Schedule Come Out?
Now that the calendar flipped to May, fans can look forward to the schedule release– which usually comes out in the second week of the month. But NFL VP of broadcast planning, Mike North, said that waiting another week is most likely the case this year.
“Most fans know full well that the schedule comes out mid-May now. That’s what we’ve done the last five or six years. That’s sort of our target. Is there any magic to May 12, 13, 14?,” North said. “No. Is there any real downside to May 19, 20, or 21? No. I don’t think it’s coming out in June, but that second week in May has been our target the last few years, but I don’t know that it’s impossible to think about that third week in May.”
The schedule may not be out yet, but the 49ers already know which opponents they will face. Based off of that, NFL analyst Warren Sharp projected the 49ers’ win total for 2026– 10.5, one of the highest in the NFL.
49ers’ Opponents for 2026
Week one is already set for the 49ers, facing the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL’s first ever game in Australia. After that, the rest of the schedule is still TBD but the teams that the 49ers will play include the Seattle Seahawks, Rams and Arizona Cardinals twice (NFC West), the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers and Miami Dolphins.
49ers Predicted to Have Another Favorable Schedule in 2026