49ers game-by-game predictions after 2026 NFL Schedule release

While the San Francisco 49ers didn’t cover every base, they have multiple reasons to be excited about their offseason so far. And here are the 49ers game-by-game predictions after the 2026 NFL schedule release.

Despite another injury-riddled season, the 49ers posted a record of 12-5 before getting soundly dismissed in the playoffs by the eventual champion Seahawks.

But there are big hopes for this season. These predictions are based on teams having no season-changing injuries.

Week 1 vs. Los Angeles Rams

In the NFL’s toughest division, no game is easy. But the meetings with the Rams are particularly tough. The 49ers had won nine of 10, but the Rams have collected wins in four of the last five, according to The Football Database.

In fact, the Rams have won three in a row on the 49ers’ home field. That streak ends this year. WIN

Record: 1-0

Week 2 vs. Miami Dolphins

In the NFL, there are no weeks off. Any opponent can clip an unfocused team. Well, the Dolphins could be an exception. They might not win more than two or three games this year.

The 49ers will run them off the field. WIN

Record: 2-0

Week 3 vs. Arizona Cardinals

The 49ers have controlled this series, winning six of the last eight meetings. It seems like ancient history, but it wasn’t long ago that the Cardinals won eight straight in this series (2015-18).

The pendulum has swung decidedly back to the 49ers. And the Cardinals won’t have winning business on the 49ers’ home turf. WIN

Record: 3-0

Week 4 vs. Denver Broncos

The Broncos boast arguably the NFL’s best offensive line. They also have an elite top-five defense.

Truth be told, the Broncos will be many people’s pick to win the Super Bowl this season. And they’ll stroll out of San Francisco with a victory. WIN

Record: 4-0

Week 5 at Seattle Seahawks

Oh, my. The memory of the playoffs and the 41-7 beatdown that still haunts the 49ers. Still, the 49ers have won seven of the last 10 meetings. But the Seahawks’ three wins have come in the last four meetings.

The Seahawks will likely drop off from their Super Bowl level this year. And that’s enough for the 49ers to pounce. WIN

Record: 5-0

Week 6 vs. Washington Commanders

Opponents of the Commanders will spend a lot of game-prep time searching for ways to limit quarterback Jayden Daniels. And the 49ers have some dudes who make that possible.

Also, the 49ers have Christian McCaffrey, Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Mike Evans. That’s a tough chore for a below-average Commanders’ defense. WIN

Record: 6-0

Week 7 at Atlanta Falcons

The 49ers will use their defensive prowess to get a leg up in this contest. They will find a way to slow down running back Bijan Robinson. And the Falcons don’t have the type of team this year that can overcome an average game from Robinson.

The 49ers will be able to move the football consistently. This will be a blowout. WIN

Record: 7-0

Week 9 vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Maybe a couple of years from now, the Raiders will return to NFL relevance. Right now, their city is still more famous than the franchise.

Whether it’s rookie Fernando Mendoza or veteran Kirk Cousins behind center doesn’t matter. This will be a 49ers walk in the park. WIN

Record: 8-0

Week 10 at Dallas Cowboys

There’s no doubt the Cowboys will remember those back-to-back playoff setbacks in 2022 and 2023. And they have a team capable of revenge in 2026.

This will likely be a playoff preview. And the contest should be high scoring. Look for a Brandon Aubrey field goal to decide the issue. LOSS

Record: 8-1

Week 11 vs. Minnesota Vikings

Nobody seems to know for sure what kind of impact Kyler Murray will have for the Vikings. Will he be the missing piece that puts them back in the Super Bowl conversation?

Even if the Vikings are elite, they will struggle on the grass field in San Francisco. WIN

Record: 9-1

Week 12 vs. Seattle Seahawks

Sometimes it’s not about the better team. There are many matchups in the NFL where home-field advantage allows for a swing to the other side.

The Seahawks will rise up, getting big games from Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. LOSS

Record: 9-2

Week 13 at New York Giants

The arrival of Jim Harbaugh in the Big Apple makes a difference. And the 49ers face that tough cross-country travel thing.

Look for the Giants to race out to a two-touchdown lead. But the 49ers will regroup. WIN

Record: 10-2

Week 14 vs. Los Angeles Rams

When Matthew Stafford gets in rhythm with receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, things get really tough for opposing defenses. The 49ers will struggle to keep the Rams out of the end zone in this one.

And the 49ers won’t be able to keep up in the points-friendly battle. LOSS

Record: 10-3

Week 15 at Los Angeles Chargers

This is a great matchup between two coaches who love a good old-fashioned between-the-tackles hard-nosed battle.

Yes, both teams like to throw. And Brock Purdy will have his moments for the 49ers, coming close to matching the output of counterpart Justin Herbert. And the 49ers will get over the top with Christian McCaffrey. WIN

Record: 11-3

Week 16 at Kansas City Chiefs

Lock it in. Facing Patrick Mahomes on the road is one of the ultimate challenges in the NFL. This is a tall order for the 49ers, as the Chiefs will be much improved from last year.

Look for Mahomes to hit on a late TD strike to Rashee Rice to force overtime. And the Chiefs will win in extra time. LOSS

Record: 11-4

Week 17 vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Talk about marquee matchups. The Eagles have the current roster construction of a Super Bowl contender. However, the 49ers can make that claim, too.

The key to this game will be ball control. And that’s Kyle Shanahan’s jam. WIN

Record: 12-4

Week 18 at Arizona Cardinals

Ok, let’s see. You have Jacoby Brissett at quarterback, and he’s 20-45 in his career as a starter. With him leading the way, the Cardinals will find ways to lose.

However, this will be a surprisingly close game. Jeremiyah Love will have a big game, but it won’t put his team over the top. WIN

Record: 13-4

The final analysis

With a record of 13-4, the 49ers will challenge for the best record in the NFC. However, that loss to the Cowboys will cost them the No. 1 overall seed. Still, reaching the NFC Championship game is a realistic hope for the 49ers in 2026.

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