Unlike a year ago, the San Francisco 49ers won't enjoy the benefit of playing the NFL's easiest schedule in 2026, at least in terms of schedule strength, which is flawed because it's based on the previous year's win/loss records anyway.
Fortunately, at least going off that metric, the Niners are in the middle of the pack.
But, given the tough, tough nature of the NFC West, combined with the hard reality San Francisco will lead the entire league in miles traveled (going to Australia for Week 1 has nothing to do with that, right?), it's safe to assume head coach Kyle Shanahan's squad will have a lot of X-factors working against its favor.
Tack on another one, assuming pre-schedule release rumors wind up becoming true.
49ers may close 2026 schedule with some awfully tough games
Again, nothing official just yet, but there are rumors already circulating about how the 49ers will wrap up their regular-season campaign.
The X user, @NerdingOnNFL, has been pretty accurate with schedule rumors and leaks, and if those rumored games for the Niners ultimately prove to be true, the very back end of their 2026 docket will be awfully tough:
- Week 14: Los Angeles Rams @ 49ers
- Week 15: 49ers @ Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football
- Week 16: 49ers @ Kansas City Chiefs
- Week 17: Philadelphia Eagles @ 49ers on Sunday Night Football
The Rams, Chargers, Chiefs and Eagles went a combined 40-28 last season with Philly, the Rams and the Bolts making the postseason, the former actually getting eliminated by San Francisco in the Wild Card round.
True, K.C.'s 6-11 campaign seemed to be a complete shock in light of its own dynasty with head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, yet it's probably safer to bet on Kansas City rebounding nicely in 2026 as opposed to letting last season be an indicator of what's to come.
And that Week 14 NFC West tilt against L.A. could carry even more ramifications, too, in terms of divisional standings.
All four of those matchups stand out as being just a bit tougher than the rest, and about the only solace for the 49ers is knowing how much can change between Weeks 1 and 14.
For now, though, things may be shaping up for an awfully tough final stretch that could ultimately doom the Niners' chances of getting back into the postseason.
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