49ers predictions: NFL experts forecast San Francisco's record, playoff chances

The injury-plagued San Francisco 49ers finished third in a highly competitive NFC West last season, battling two star-studded division rivals in the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams. San Francisco entered the final week of the regular season with an opportunity to win the NFC West and secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, but a loss to Seattle ended those hopes.

The 49ers spent the offseason retooling their roster in an effort to remain among the NFC's top contenders. They continued their overhaul of the defensive front with the addition of Osa Odighizuwa and the selection of Romello Height in the 2026 NFL Draft.

San Francisco's wide receiver room also underwent significant changes. Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne are gone, while Brandon Aiyuk will eventually follow. To replenish the position group, the 49ers added veteran receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk and used their top draft pick on De'Zhaun Stribling.

The NFL officially unveiled its full 272-game regular-season schedule on Thursday, prompting experts to release their early predictions for the 2026 season.

Here's a look at what several of those projections are forecasting for the 49ers after last season's 12-5 finish and postseason berth.

Jacob Camenker, USA Today

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Jacob Camenker projects the 49ers to match last season's 12-5 record, citing the benefits of a third-place schedule and several favorable matchups throughout the year. One has to assume that the record would be enough to clinch a playoff berth.

"The 49ers seem poised to contend for the NFC West title again," Camenker wrote. "Their path to winning this season will be much easier than the one the Seahawks and Rams face, as San Francisco has a lot of favorable matchups on its schedule."

Camenker also pointed to the returns of defensive linemen Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, along with the addition of veteran wide receiver Mike Evans, as reasons for optimism heading into the 2026 season.

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News

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Vinnie Iyer also sees the 49ers benefiting from a manageable schedule, though he acknowledged the challenges of competing in the NFC West.

Iyer identified home matchups against the Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles, along with road games versus the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Dallas Cowboys, as San Francisco's toughest tests.

His projection also lands the 49ers at 12-5.

"The 49ers had to remix their offense with Brock Purdy, changing the receiving corps most," Iyer wrote. "They also had to figure out more defensive answers with coordinator Robert Saleh leaving after his one-season return to take over the Titans.

"San Francisco has a strong floor with its running game, should Christian McCaffrey stay healthy again. It also got some needed defensive reinforcements in getting sparked by a new scheme under Raheem Morris. That should be good enough to at least match 2025."

Matt Maiocco, NBC Sports Bay Area

Matt Maiocco's way-too-early 49ers game-by-game predictions for 2026 NFL season

Longtime 49ers insider Matt Maiocco believes San Francisco will take a slight step back in the win column but still return to the playoffs with a solid record.

"After tabulating the returns, it looks like an 11-6 season and a return trip to the playoffs for Kyle Shanahan and Co," Maiocco wrote.

Maiocco projects losses against the Denver Broncos in Week 4, the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5, the Dallas Cowboys in Week 10, the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14, the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15, and the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 16.

Eric D. Williams, FOX Sports

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Eric D. Williams is slightly less optimistic, projecting the 49ers to finish 10-6, though he did not specify whether that record would be enough to secure a postseason berth.

"The San Francisco 49ers improved on offense with the additions of veteran receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, and the return of linebacker Dre Greenlaw in free agency should help bring intensity and juice back to the defense," Williams wrote.