NFL analyst picks one thing 49ers should hope for in 2026 schedule

The San Francisco 49ers finished their 2025 season with a 12-5 record and in third place in a hard-fought NFC West that produced three playoff teams, including the Super Bowl winner.

With their performance, San Francisco kept on most of their coaching staff and front office, as the move to replace defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who became a head coach, with Raheem Morris was the biggest change.

Now, the 49ers are set for the 2026 season, and later this week, they'll find out when each of their 17 games will take place. Before that, CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo identified one wish that Kyle Shanahan's team should have for their schedule this year - favorable matchups after their international bouts.

"The 49ers face the Rams in Australia in Week 1 before playing in Mexico City in Week 11. The Dolphins are the rumored foe there," DeArdo wrote. "One would expect the NFL to give the 49ers a home game in Week 2 and a potential Week 12 bye."

No team will travel more than the 49ers in 2026, and with two international games on the slate, San Francisco should be looking for some extra rest or a chance to play at Levi's Stadium. That would definitely help a team that dealt with significant injuries to several players last year.

Although, with the way that the NFL has treated the 49ers recently, they may force them to play on the road after each contest.

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