<!–>
Kyle Shanahan says that the 49ers‘ disappointing 6-11 campaign is already in the rearview mirror. Part of that process was avoiding last year’s contract drama by re-signing quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle and linebacker Fred Warner to new deals this offseason.
Shanahan will lean on those three foundational players, along with veteran left tackle Trent Williams, defensive end Nick Bosa and running back Christian McCaffrey. They join a handful of young, untested players looking to take on larger roles — players such as receiver Ricky Pearsall and rookie edge rusher Mykel Williams — as San Francisco chases the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC West.
After having the toughest schedule in the league last season, the 49ers have the easiest this year, with an opponent winning percentage of .415 based on last year’s records. That should certainly help Shanahan avoid his first back-to-back losing seasons since 2017-18, his first two years as head coach of the 49ers.
ADVERTISEMENT
–>
Let’s break down San Francisco’s season week by week.
Week 1: at Seahawks, Sunday, Sept. 7
The 49ers have owned Seattle of late, winning six of the past seven matchups (including postseason). The last time these two teams played, however, Mike Macdonald figured out how to stymie San Francisco offensively, and Geno Smith manufactured a game-winning drive at Levi’s Stadium. Smith, of course, is now a Raider, replaced by Sam Darnold, who faces his former team. The Seahawks, trying to restore their dominance at home and set the tone for the season, get the win over the 49ers.
Result: Loss, 0-1 record
Week 2: at Saints, Sunday, Sept. 14
It will take time for new head coach Kellen Moore to implement his offensive scheme, so the 49ers should benefit from facing the Saints early. And whether it’s Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler under center for New Orleans, Bosa and Warner will get after the offense. Defensively, the Saints were one of the worst teams in the league against the run last season, so expect McCaffrey to have a big game in the Big Easy.
Result: Win, 1-1
RELATED: Can Saints rookie QB Tyler Shough fill void left by Derek Carr’s retirement?
Week 3: vs. Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 21
Arizona usually plays the 49ers tough and swept the season series last year. But the 49ers should get the win here if they can contain Kyler Murray and the Cardinals’ running game. Arizona’s defense had four interceptions against San Francisco in 2024, so taking care of the football will also be critical for the 49ers, who finished with a minus-5 turnover differential in those two losses to the Cardinals last year.
Result: Win, 2-1
Week 4: vs. Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 28
New Jacksonville head coach Liam Coen has some familiarity with the 49ers from his time as Rams offensive coordinator. But Trevor Lawrence remains a work in progress and the Jaguars are hitting the reset button once again. The last time these two teams met, two years ago, the 49ers blew out the Jags 34-3. This game should be an opportunity for Purdy to put up some gaudy numbers and for San Francisco’s defensive linemen to pin back their ears and get after Lawrence.
Result: Win, 3-1
Week 5: at Rams, Thursday, Oct. 2
Here’s the first of two heavyweight matchups in 2025 between two of the best offensive minds in the business in Sean McVay and Shanahan. It will be interesting to see how 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh game-plans for Davante Adams and Puka Nacua on the perimeter, along with figuring out how to bottle up running back Kyren Williams. Then there’s savvy veteran QB Matthew Stafford, who usually plays well in prime time.
Result: Loss, 3-2
Week 6: at Buccaneers, Sunday, Oct. 12
The 49ers escaped with a three-point victory over Tampa Bay last season, but the Bucs have improved and always play well at home. They’re also one of the better running teams in the league, and San Francisco’s defense had trouble against the run last season.
Result: Loss, 3-3
Week 7: vs. Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 19
Every year, Atlanta is picked as one of the trendy teams to make the postseason, and ultimately the Falcons underperform. So, I feel like this game lines up as a bounce-back win for the 49ers after a tough road loss in Tampa Bay. Michael Penix Jr. is a talented quarterback, but he’s still young and figuring things out.
Result: Win, 4-3
Week 8: at Texans, Sunday, Oct. 26
Former 49ers DC DeMeco Ryans faces San Francisco for the first time since leaving in 2023 to coach the Texans. For Purdy’s sake, left tackle Trent Williams had better be healthy and ready for this game, as Houston boasts one of the best pass-rushing duos in the league in Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. The Texans finished fourth in the NFL with 49 sacks in 2024. I like Houston at home here.
Result: Loss, 4-4
Week 9: at Giants, Sunday, Nov. 2
Rookie QB Jaxson Dart could be taking snaps in place of Russell Wilson at quarterback by this point of the season, as Giants coach Brian Daboll scrambles to save his job. This should be another bounce-back opportunity for the 49ers.
Result: Win, 5-4
Week 10: vs. Rams, Sunday, Nov. 9
When the two coaches arrived in the NFC West in 2017, Shanahan at first dominated the series with McVay. Things have changed of late, however, with the Rams winning the past three matchups. I believe that trend will continue this season, with L.A. sweeping the season series for a second straight year. The keys for the Rams will be to control the line of scrimmage on defense, with Jared Verse and Kobie Turner rushing the passer, and on offense, to protect Stafford, allowing one of the best closers in the NFL to do his thing.
Result: Loss, 5-5
Close friends and former colleagues Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan are two of the best offensive minds in the NFL, which always makes for interesting games between the Rams and 49ers. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) <!–>
–>
Week 11: at Cardinals, Sunday, Nov. 16
The frisky Cardinals surprise the 49ers at State Farm Stadium, handing San Francisco a two-game losing streak. Kyler Murray does Kyler Murray things, running all over the field and also making plays with his arm. And Arizona’s improved defense gets the best of Purdy.
Result: Loss, 5-6
Week 12: vs. Panthers, Monday, Nov. 24
Yes, Carolina and Bryce Young should improve in the second season under head coach Dave Canales. But that doesn’t mean the Panthers will be ready to win late in the year after taking a cross-country flight to face a 49ers team in need of a win. San Francisco rights the ship here with a methodic win over a less-talented team.
Result: Win, 6-6
Week 13: at Browns, Sunday, Nov. 30
The 49ers are playing on a short week, but this game should have their full attention after losing at Cleveland two years ago on a last-second missed field goal by Jake Moody. Weather could be a factor for Purdy, who has had his share of struggles in inclement conditions.
Result: Win, 7-6
Week 14: Bye
Week 15: vs. Titans, Sunday, Dec. 14
The 49ers get two weeks to prepare for No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward and a Tennessee squad coming off a road game at Cleveland. That could mean trouble for the Titans.
Result: Win, 8-6
Week 16: at Colts, Monday, Dec. 22
Will it be Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones leading the offense for the Colts? It won’t matter, as San Francisco looks to get a win in prime time on the road to continue its playoff push.
Result: Win, 9-6
Week 17: vs. Bears, Sunday, Dec. 28
As Detroit’s offensive coordinator, new Bears head coach Ben Johnson had success against San Francisco’s defense, averaging 36 points per game. On a short week for the 49ers, Johnson and Caleb Williams stun San Francisco.
Result: Loss, 9-7
RELATED: Why ending up on the Bears was a blessing in disguise for Caleb Williams
Week 18: vs. Seahawks, Flex Game
With a playoff spot potentially on the line, I like the 49ers’ chances at home playing a team they’ve had a lot of success against recently. The key will be how healthy San Francisco is at the end of the year, including Purdy finishing the season upright and McCaffrey playing a full slate after missing 13 games in 2024.
Result: Win
Final record prediction: 10-7
Eric D. Williams has reported on the NFL for more than a decade, covering the Los Angeles Rams for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Chargers for ESPN and the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma News Tribune. Follow him on X at @eric_d_williams.
Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
<!–>
recommended
Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
–>
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Buttler and Dawson combine to down West Indies in T20I opener
Jos Buttler smashed 96 off 59 balls and Liam Dawson celebrated his England return with four wickets as the hosts beat West Indies by 21 runs in the first T20 international in Durham.The series-opening victory means it's now four in four under new white-ball skipper Harry Brook, who continues to operate with a magic touch. Jamie Smith, opening for the first time in T20Is, tonked 38 off 20 at the top of the order. Buttler - no longer burdened by the captaincy - looked back to his brilliant best. There was Dawson's star turn in his first international appearance for three years, and Matthew Potts (2-48), while expensive, struck twice on his T20I debut. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Matthew Potts gets his first ever international T20 wicket for England on just his second delivery […]
Sormani critica desempenho de Alisson, do Liverpool, na seleção brasileira: “Jamais seria meu goleiro”
Alisson, em treino da seleção brasileira (Lucas Figueiredo/CBF) Sormani criticou o desempenho de Alisson na seleção brasileira e declarou que não o escalaria como titular. No programa “Opinião Placar”, ele citou lances das últimas duas edições de Copa do Mundo para argumentar contra o atleta do Liverpool, da Inglaterra. “Tem um monte de jogador brasileiro que é incontestável em vários lugares do mundo e que não jogam nada na seleção brasileira. Ele comprometeu nas últimas duas Copas, jamais seria meu goleiro. Dava para pegar as bolas contra a Croácia e Bélgica. Ele não pegou nenhum pênalti. Na Copa você tem que ter um goleiro que pega pênalti, senão fica em desvantagem”, opinou o jornalista, que citou Dida, Taffarel e até Hugo Souza, do Corinthians, que são arqueiros especialistas em penalidades. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Brasil decepcionou nas Copas recentes Em 2018, a […]
Presidente do Cuiabá se revolta com dívidas de Corinthians, Santos, Atlético-MG e Grêmio: “situação ridícula”
Cristiano Dresch, presidente do Cuiabá. (Foto: AssCom Dourado/Cuiabá/Divulgação) Mais uma vez o presidente do Cuiabá, Cristiano Dresch, veio a público cobrar clubes gigantes do futebol brasileiro por dívidas com seu clube. Corinthians, Santos, Atlético-MG e Grêmio foram expostos pelo mandatário em entrevista ao Ge nesta sexta-feira (6). Em detalhes, o dirigente revelou detalhes de como andam os processos na justiça e se mostrou revoltado com a situação. Corinthians, o maior devedor do Cuiabá (caso Raniele) O maior devedor do Cuiabá neste momento é o Corinthians, que ainda deve R$ 18 milhões pela compra do volante Raniele em 2024. No entanto, Cristiano revelou que há um acordo para quitação do débito de forma parcelada, via Câmara Nacional de Resolução de Disputas. “Está previsto para nos pagar em julho, no dia 17, quando vence a primeira parcela do plano coletivo que eles fizeram […]
2025 French Open finals: How to watch Gauff vs. Sabalenka and Sinner vs. Alcaraz with Hulu + Live TV
Coco Gauff will represent the U.S. at the French Open finals this year. She's the only American player on the men's or women's side to play in this weekend's finals. No. 2 Gauff will face No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka for the women's match on Saturday at Roland-Garros. The men's final pits No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz against No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who defeated three-time French Open champion Novak Djokovic in a tight match filled with tie-breaks on Friday.The best way to catch the French Open finals this weekend is on Hulu + Live TV, where the men's and women's matched will be broadcast on TNT and truTV. Hulu + Live TV is $82.99 per month without ads, but if you want to test it out, you can get a free 3-day trial before committing.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHere's a full rundown of this weekend's […]
Davide Ancelotti joins Brazil coaching team to assist father Carlo
Davide Ancelotti has joined his father Carlo’s coaching staff at the Brazil men’s international side.The 35-year-old has joined the team of his father, who started his new role as head coach of Brazil’s national team with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador on Thursday.There had been managerial interest in Davide Ancelotti from clubs, including Scottish side Rangers and Deportivo La Coruna, currently in Spain’s second division.AdvertisementDavide Ancelotti has worked under his father since 2011 at Paris Saint-Germain. Davide initially worked as a fitness coach at PSG and Real Madrid before he was appointed as Bayern Munich’s assistant coach in 2016. He joined his father with subsequent roles at Napoli, Everton, and a return to Madrid. pic.twitter.com/dDD1EpnbnA — CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) June 6, 2025He most recently helped guide the Spanish club to two Champions League trophies and two La Liga titles.Carlo Ancelotti […]
Davide Ancelotti joins Brazil coaching team to assist father Carlo
Davide Ancelotti has joined his father Carlo’s coaching staff at the Brazil men’s international side.The 35-year-old has joined the team of his father, who started his new role as head coach of Brazil’s national team with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador on Thursday.There had been managerial interest in Davide Ancelotti from clubs, including Scottish side Rangers and Deportivo La Coruna, currently in Spain’s second division.AdvertisementDavide Ancelotti has worked under his father since 2011 at Paris Saint-Germain. Davide initially worked as a fitness coach at PSG and Real Madrid before he was appointed as Bayern Munich’s assistant coach in 2016. He joined his father with subsequent roles at Napoli, Everton, and a return to Madrid. pic.twitter.com/dDD1EpnbnA — CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) June 6, 2025He most recently helped guide the Spanish club to two Champions League trophies and two La Liga titles.Carlo Ancelotti […]
Related
Buttler and Dawson combine to down West Indies in T20I opener
Jos Buttler smashed 96 off 59 balls and Liam Dawson celebrated his England return with four wickets as the hosts beat West Indies by 21 runs in the first T20 international in Durham.The series-opening victory means it's now four in four under new white-ball skipper Harry Brook, who continues to operate with a magic touch. Jamie Smith, opening for the first time in T20Is, tonked 38 off 20 at the top of the order. Buttler - no longer burdened by the captaincy - looked back to his brilliant best. There was Dawson's star turn in his first international appearance for three years, and Matthew Potts (2-48), while expensive, struck twice on his T20I debut. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Matthew Potts gets his first ever international T20 wicket for England on just his second delivery […]
Sormani critica desempenho de Alisson, do Liverpool, na seleção brasileira: “Jamais seria meu goleiro”
Alisson, em treino da seleção brasileira (Lucas Figueiredo/CBF) Sormani criticou o desempenho de Alisson na seleção brasileira e declarou que não o escalaria como titular. No programa “Opinião Placar”, ele citou lances das últimas duas edições de Copa do Mundo para argumentar contra o atleta do Liverpool, da Inglaterra. “Tem um monte de jogador brasileiro que é incontestável em vários lugares do mundo e que não jogam nada na seleção brasileira. Ele comprometeu nas últimas duas Copas, jamais seria meu goleiro. Dava para pegar as bolas contra a Croácia e Bélgica. Ele não pegou nenhum pênalti. Na Copa você tem que ter um goleiro que pega pênalti, senão fica em desvantagem”, opinou o jornalista, que citou Dida, Taffarel e até Hugo Souza, do Corinthians, que são arqueiros especialistas em penalidades. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Brasil decepcionou nas Copas recentes Em 2018, a […]
Presidente do Cuiabá se revolta com dívidas de Corinthians, Santos, Atlético-MG e Grêmio: “situação ridícula”
Cristiano Dresch, presidente do Cuiabá. (Foto: AssCom Dourado/Cuiabá/Divulgação) Mais uma vez o presidente do Cuiabá, Cristiano Dresch, veio a público cobrar clubes gigantes do futebol brasileiro por dívidas com seu clube. Corinthians, Santos, Atlético-MG e Grêmio foram expostos pelo mandatário em entrevista ao Ge nesta sexta-feira (6). Em detalhes, o dirigente revelou detalhes de como andam os processos na justiça e se mostrou revoltado com a situação. Corinthians, o maior devedor do Cuiabá (caso Raniele) O maior devedor do Cuiabá neste momento é o Corinthians, que ainda deve R$ 18 milhões pela compra do volante Raniele em 2024. No entanto, Cristiano revelou que há um acordo para quitação do débito de forma parcelada, via Câmara Nacional de Resolução de Disputas. “Está previsto para nos pagar em julho, no dia 17, quando vence a primeira parcela do plano coletivo que eles fizeram […]
2025 French Open finals: How to watch Gauff vs. Sabalenka and Sinner vs. Alcaraz with Hulu + Live TV
Coco Gauff will represent the U.S. at the French Open finals this year. She's the only American player on the men's or women's side to play in this weekend's finals. No. 2 Gauff will face No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka for the women's match on Saturday at Roland-Garros. The men's final pits No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz against No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who defeated three-time French Open champion Novak Djokovic in a tight match filled with tie-breaks on Friday.The best way to catch the French Open finals this weekend is on Hulu + Live TV, where the men's and women's matched will be broadcast on TNT and truTV. Hulu + Live TV is $82.99 per month without ads, but if you want to test it out, you can get a free 3-day trial before committing.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHere's a full rundown of this weekend's […]
Davide Ancelotti joins Brazil coaching team to assist father Carlo
Davide Ancelotti has joined his father Carlo’s coaching staff at the Brazil men’s international side.The 35-year-old has joined the team of his father, who started his new role as head coach of Brazil’s national team with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador on Thursday.There had been managerial interest in Davide Ancelotti from clubs, including Scottish side Rangers and Deportivo La Coruna, currently in Spain’s second division.AdvertisementDavide Ancelotti has worked under his father since 2011 at Paris Saint-Germain. Davide initially worked as a fitness coach at PSG and Real Madrid before he was appointed as Bayern Munich’s assistant coach in 2016. He joined his father with subsequent roles at Napoli, Everton, and a return to Madrid. pic.twitter.com/dDD1EpnbnA — CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) June 6, 2025He most recently helped guide the Spanish club to two Champions League trophies and two La Liga titles.Carlo Ancelotti […]
Davide Ancelotti joins Brazil coaching team to assist father Carlo
Davide Ancelotti has joined his father Carlo’s coaching staff at the Brazil men’s international side.The 35-year-old has joined the team of his father, who started his new role as head coach of Brazil’s national team with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador on Thursday.There had been managerial interest in Davide Ancelotti from clubs, including Scottish side Rangers and Deportivo La Coruna, currently in Spain’s second division.AdvertisementDavide Ancelotti has worked under his father since 2011 at Paris Saint-Germain. Davide initially worked as a fitness coach at PSG and Real Madrid before he was appointed as Bayern Munich’s assistant coach in 2016. He joined his father with subsequent roles at Napoli, Everton, and a return to Madrid. pic.twitter.com/dDD1EpnbnA — CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) June 6, 2025He most recently helped guide the Spanish club to two Champions League trophies and two La Liga titles.Carlo Ancelotti […]
Be the first to leave a comment