All three are set to make their return this year, and if they—along with the rest of the team—manage to stay reasonably healthy, there’s a good chance for a standout season in the Bay Area.
The NFL has taken notice of this potential; as a result, the 49ers will play five prime-time games during the 2026 season. This includes their season opener against the Rams in Australia, Monday Night Football against the Commanders in Mexico City, and a Sunday night matchup against both the Vikings and the Eagles, among others.
It’s a challenging schedule for a squad eyeing the Super Bowl, but it’s doable.
Let’s dive in a bit deeper.
3 Toughest Games
Week 1 at Rams (Melbourne, Australia)
This annual trip to Los Angeles often feels like a home game for the 49ers due to fan turnout at SoFi Stadium. Although it’s unclear how the Australian crowd will react, this matchup could be a tough test given the travel, the opponent, and the stakes involved.
Week 5 at Seahawks
The last encounter at Lumen Field was rough for the 49ers, marked by a lopsided playoff loss. That was against a formidable team—one that had just begun to shine on the Super Bowl stage and was, unfortunately, dealing with injuries. Rectifying that experience won’t be simple, but the 49ers are determined to improve.
Week 17 vs. Eagles
This game could swing in many directions, all while remaining within the NFC West framework. The Eagles are always a tough matchup, especially following a playoff defeat to the 49ers last season. Philadelphia won’t forget that, so expect a high-stakes rematch. Plus, there could be significant playoff implications on the line.
3 Easiest Games
Week 3 vs. Cardinals
The Cardinals are still trying to find their footing in a tough NFC West. This might be a disadvantage for them. The 49ers, alongside the Rams and Seahawks, need to capitalize quickly to secure an easier path ahead. A fast offensive start is crucial against Arizona before the focus shifts to stronger opponents.
Week 2 vs. Dolphins
If the 49ers can perform well against the Rams in Week 1, they may have a solid chance to return home and face the Dolphins in Week 2, aiming for a 2-0 start. Yes, the trip back from Australia will be lengthy, but they’ll have a good break before taking on Miami—a team that’s currently rebuilding. The Dolphins will kick off their season against the Raiders in Las Vegas, so it’s likely they’ll already be on the West Coast prior to their visit to San Francisco. The 49ers should be favored in this matchup.
Week 13 at Giants
Weather can be unpredictable in East Rutherford in December, sure. But given that the Giants are under a new head coach and have a young quarterback still adjusting, this game should lean in the 49ers’ favor. If healthy, they can look forward to a fun and potentially easy trip to New York.
When is goodbye?
The 49ers are fortunate to have a bye week right around the season’s midpoint, specifically in Week 8. This bye follows their Atlanta trip and provides extra time to prepare for their Week 9 game against the Raiders. It’s a great breather before their next overseas trip to face the Vikings in Mexico City in Week 11.
Overall Point
If the 49ers can secure a solid start in the first ten games, the latter part of the season will be critical for their playoff positioning. However, they have some work ahead, including marquee games against the Vikings, home games against the Seahawks and Rams, plus road challenges against the Chargers and Chiefs. Building a cushion early on would help immensely.
