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NFL
4 teams on 49ers schedule that could bench their starting QB
TL;DR
The San Francisco 49ers' 2026 schedule includes several teams with uncertain quarterback situations, potentially leading to matchups against backup QBs. Key teams identified are the Atlanta Falcons, among others.
Key points
- 49ers face teams with uncertain QB situations in 2026
- Notable QBs include Dak Prescott and Patrick Mahomes
- Week 7 matchup against Atlanta Falcons
- 2026 schedule is tougher than 2025
Mentioned in this story
Dak PrescottJustin HerbertPatrick MahomesJalen HurtsBo Nix
San Francisco 49ersAtlanta Falcons
The San Francisco 49ers in 2025 had a relatively light schedule when it came to facing top-flight quarterbacks.
That will change in 2026 with players like Bo Nix, Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert, Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts all on the docket. However, there are a handful of teams the 49ers will face that have unsettled QB situations that could change by the time the 49ers face them.
We went through the 49ers' schedule and found four teams that could have their Week 1 backup in as the starter when San Francisco plays them:
Week 7 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Quarterbacks: Michael Penix, Tua Tagovailoa
It's still undetermined who the Week 1 starter will be for Atlanta. Penix is recovering from a knee injury, but he is participating in Phase 2 of the offseason program which puts him on track to participate in a real competition with Tagovailoa. Whoever starts Week 1 may not be the starter by the time the 49ers visit in Week 7. If Atlanta gets off to a slow start, that Week 7 point at about a third of the way through the season is a good time to make a change that might catalyze a playoff push.
Q&A
Which teams on the 49ers' 2026 schedule might bench their starting QB?
The 49ers' 2026 schedule includes teams like the Atlanta Falcons that may have backup quarterbacks starting due to unsettled QB situations.
What notable quarterbacks will the 49ers face in 2026?
In 2026, the 49ers will face top quarterbacks including Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert, Patrick Mahomes, and Jalen Hurts.
When do the 49ers play the Atlanta Falcons in 2026?
The San Francisco 49ers are scheduled to play the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7 of the 2026 season.
How does the 2026 schedule compare to the 2025 schedule for the 49ers?
The 2026 schedule is expected to be more challenging for the 49ers, featuring several top-flight quarterbacks compared to a lighter 2025 schedule.