Following last week's NFL schedule release, analysts have begun projecting how the 2026 season could unfold, including whether the San Francisco 49ers will return to the postseason.

Two recent predictions from NFL.com have head coach Kyle Shanahan leading the 49ers back to the playoffs as a Wild Card team.


Ali Bhanpuri and Tom Blair both projected San Francisco to finish as the NFC's No. 6 seed. However, they differed on the NFC West champion.

Bhanpuri predicted the Los Angeles Rams would win the division and secure the conference's top seed, while Blair picked the Seattle Seahawks to finish atop the NFC.

Bhanpuri Blair
1. Rams (12-5) 1. Seahawks (12-5)
2. Cowboys (11-6) 2. Bears (11-6)
3. Bears (10-7) 3. Eagles (10-7)
4. Falcons (9-8) 4. Panthers (9-8)
Wild Cards Wild Cards
5. Seahawks (11-6) 5. Rams (12-5)
6. 49ers (10-7) 6. 49ers (11-6)
7. Eagles (10-7) 7. Lions (11-6)

"The Niners travel a lot this season, with trips to Australia, Atlanta, Mexico, and New York on the itinerary," Ali wrote. "I worry all those miles will catch up with this squad down the stretch, particularly when mid-December hits: Mixed-to-poor results against the Rams, Chargers, Chiefs, and Eagles (Weeks 14-17) have the potential to undo any early-season gains.

"San Francisco weathered so many injuries last year en route to 12 wins, so I'd be silly to rule out back-to-back playoff berths for Kyle Shanahan's squad. But unlike last year, I see the 49ers clawing for a wild-card spot -- not contending for a division title -- when Week 18 rolls around."

In Bhanpuri's projection, the 49ers' seven losses come against the Rams in Australia, the Denver Broncos at home, and then during a brutal five-game late-season skid against the Seahawks, New York Giants, Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and Kansas City Chiefs. That difficult stretch follows San Francisco's second international game of the season, a contest in Mexico City.


Meanwhile, Blair projects a stronger start for the 49ers, with the team opening the season 6-1. Their lone loss during that stretch comes at home against the Washington Commanders.

After the bye week, Blair predicts San Francisco losses against the Las Vegas Raiders at home, the Dallas Cowboys on the road, the Chargers on the road, the Philadelphia Eagles at home, and the Arizona Cardinals in the regular-season finale.

Schedule Bhanpuri Blair
Week 1: at Rams (Australia) L W
Week 2: vs. Dolphins W W
Week 3: vs. Cardinals W W
Week 4: vs. Broncos L W
Week 5: at Seahawks W W
Week 6: vs. Commanders W L
Week 7: at Falcons W W
Week 8: BYE -- --
Week 9: vs. Raiders W L
Week 10: at Cowboys W L
Week 11: vs. Vikings (Mexico) W W
Week 12: vs. Seahawks L W
Week 13: at Giants L W
Week 14: vs. Rams L W
Week 15: at Chargers L L
Week 16: at Chiefs L W
Week 17: vs. Eagles W L
Week 18: at Cardinals W L
Record: 10-7 11-6


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