The 2026 schedule for the San Francisco 49ers has not yet been released. However, their opponents have been known for quite some time. So as fans await the official schedule release on Thursday, many guesses are being made on who the Niners will face and when throughout the season.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon revealed his list of 12 prime-time matchups that NFL fans should want to see this year. One of those battles involves the 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys, who are slated to face each other for the fifth time in the last six seasons.
The San Francisco 49ers Have Dominated the Dallas Cowboys of Late
GettyThe 49ers have beaten the Cowboys in four consecutive meetings.
Seeing the Niners and Cowboys face off in prime-time would be a great scenario for the NFL. These are two of the league’s most iconic brands, and both are looking to be major contenders this year. Of course, when they have met in years past, it has been hotly contested. Six of the last nine meetings have been one-score games. However, San Francisco has won the last four matchups, including the last two postseason meetings. The 49ers lead the all-time series 21-19-1.
As historic as both organizations are, they have failed to bring home a Super Bowl this century. San Francisco hasn’t won a Super Bowl since 1994. Dallas last brought home a title in 1995. The Niners have been to the Super Bowl twice under head coach Kyle Shanahan, while second-year Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer is just looking to guide his team to the playoffs. The Cowboys haven’t made it to the NFC Championship game in three decades.
The 49ers Are Due for a Super Bowl Win
Getty49ers Pro Bowl quarterback Brock Purdy tosses a pitch to running back Christian McCaffrey.
Again, the Niners have had a longer Super Bowl drought than the Cowboys, which feels very weird to say considering Dallas has struggled to contend for a title this century. But now is the time for Shanahan and Co. to finally win it all.
After signing future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans this offseason, it is clear that GM John Lynch is not messing around. While injuries have been a major issue in the last few years for the club, some of its best players are looking to come back stronger. All-Pro tight end George Kittle, All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, and All-Pro edge-rusher Nick Bosa each suffered season-ending injuries this past season. That is why, despite going 12-5, the team couldn’t make a deep playoff run.
At their best, the 49ers are one of the three or four best teams in the NFL. But if they run into the injury bug, their season could very much go off the rails. That is why it will be up to them to stay healthy and stay consistent as the schedule moves along. It would be unfortunate for NFL fans to see the 49ers and Cowboys face off with fewer stars on the field than normal.
Possible Dream Prime-Time Matchup Revealed for 49ers