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NFL
49ers projected to have one of the easiest schedules in 2026
TL;DR
The San Francisco 49ers are projected to have one of the easiest schedules in 2026, ranking eighth-easiest in the NFL. Their schedule includes matchups against playoff contenders and weaker teams, which contributes to this favorable ranking.
Key points
- 49ers finished 12-5 last season
- Ranked eighth-easiest schedule in the NFL
- Includes matchups against Dolphins and Falcons
- Plays NFC West teams twice
- Combination of playoff contenders and weaker teams
San Francisco 49ersDetroit LionsNew Orleans SaintsCincinnati Bengals
Despite finishing 12-5 a year ago, the San Francisco 49ers won't have a difficult schedule in 2026 â on paper, at least.
The 49ers' strength of schedule ranks eighth-easiest in the league for this upcoming season, according to Vegas odds compiled by Sharp Football Analytics. The only teams with an easier schedule are the Lions, Saints, Bengals, Browns, Jets, Ravens and Eagles.
The reasons are relatively simple. Despite playing the rest of the NFC West twice, the 49ers play a third-place schedule that includes the Dolphins and Falcons. San Francisco also has to play the NFC North, AFC West and NFC East, which isn't the easiest group with teams like the Eagles, Chiefs, Lions, Chargers, Packers and Bears.
What this schedule is going to look like is a combination of playoff contenders and league bottom-feeders. And because the win totals for the Dolphins, Cardinals, Raiders and Falcons are so long, it lessened the overall strength of schedule.
This gives the 49ers an interesting upcoming slate, one where they'll need to be surgical in games they should win and then bold in the games against stronger opponents.
Q&A
What is the strength of schedule ranking for the San Francisco 49ers in 2026?
The San Francisco 49ers have the eighth-easiest strength of schedule for the 2026 season.
Which teams have an easier schedule than the 49ers in 2026?
The teams with an easier schedule than the 49ers are the Lions, Saints, Bengals, Browns, Jets, Ravens, and Eagles.
What factors contribute to the 49ers' easy schedule in 2026?
The 49ers' easy schedule is due to playing a third-place schedule and facing a mix of playoff contenders and weaker teams.
