USA Today predicts 49ers record for 2026

Last season, the San Francisco 49ers finished with an impressive 12-5 record, despite many injuries to key players. Some injuries, like those to Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Ricky Pearsall, lasted multiple weeks. But there were more devastating ones, like the season-ending injuries suffered by defensive stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner.

On Saturday, USA Today gave its prediction for the 49ers in 2026. How did writers Nick Brinkerhoff and Tyler Dragon have the 49ers finishing the regular season? One game shy of last season's record—at 11-6.

"The 49ers have won double-digit games in four of the past five years," Dragon wrote. "Expect San Francisco to win 10 or more games this year, barring major injuries. The 49ers battled multiple injuries last year but will get back linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) and edge rusher Nick Bosa (knee). Tight end George Kittle's (Achilles) return is uncertain, but he is ahead of schedule. The offense should be even stronger this year with the additions of wide receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk. San Francisco brought back Dre Greenlaw. Warner and Greenlaw make up arguably the best linebacker tandem in the NFL. Kyle Shanahan's squad is entering 2026 as a strong contender."

Some fans will disagree with this prediction, suggesting that the 49ers have improved the roster and, therefore, should be better in 2026. And the roster has indeed improved. But it's also true that the team's schedule will be more challenging this season. And though Warner, Bosa, and Kittle will return, we're still unsure when or at what level.

And yet, the team looks better on paper. If they can manage to be relatively healthy in 2026, they could make some noise in the playoffs and be a potential Super Bowl team. Another season ravaged by injuries, though, could keep them out of the postseason. It would be hard to replicate what they did last year, overcoming so many key obstacles.

The six losses USA Today predicted for the 49ers include: Rams in Australia, Broncos, at Seahawks, at Chargers, at Chiefs, and Eagles.

Notable wins that USA Today expects include: beating the Rams and Seahawks at home, defeating the Vikings in Mexico, and winning against the Cowboys.

USA Today also listed the 49ers' toughest and easiest games in 2026.

Toughest game: "Week 1 at Los Angeles Rams (Australia). This one is fairly self-explanatory. The 49ers are flying around the globe to participate in the NFL's first Australia game, which will be played at 10:35 a.m. local time. As if that wasn't enough, it's also a Thursday game to open the season in a key contest against division rival. No one knows what impact, if any, that will have on the 49ers the rest of the way, but this will be the toughest game of the season by far."

Easiest game: "Week 9 vs. Las Vegas. After a much-needed bye week, the Niners battle their former neighbors, welcoming the Raiders back to the bay. That's a winnable game for San Francisco, who should have no issues taking care of business against a team that likely won't compete in 2026."

Will the 49ers finish with a worse record in 2026 than they had during an injury-plagued 2025? It's hard to imagine things being more challenging than they were last season. But each year is its own, and they often are unswayed by what happened in seasons past.