The 2023 NFL season has finally arrived. Now that free agency and the draft are over, it is time to start focusing on the upcoming season.
For the San Francisco 49ers, 2022 was a successful campaign. The 49ers finished with a 13-4 record and were the NFC West Division champions, despite dealing with multiple injuries at the quarterback position. However, the season came to a screeching halt in Philadelphia, as the 49ers fell to the Eagles 31-7 in the NFC Championship game. Once again, the 49ers were just one win shy of making their eighth Super Bowl appearance. But that devastating loss is in the past now, and we can begin focusing on the season ahead.
The NFL is officially releasing the entire schedule tonight on NFL Network at 8 p.m. EST. But here are five matchups on the 49ers schedule that I will have marked on my calendar.
1. Philadelphia Eagles
Confirmed: Week 13 at Philadelphia
All-Time Record vs Eagles: 19-14-1 (.574)
Last Meeting: January 29th 2023, L, 7-31 (NFC Championship Game)
This game will be about one thing for the 49ers and their fans: revenge. The 49ers suffered a devastating loss in the NFC Championship Game to the Eagles that ended their hopes for another Super Bowl appearance. However, this matchup won't happen until Week 13 of the season, so it's unclear if the NFCCG rematch narrative will play out. But, if these teams perform as well as they are projected, this matchup should live up to the hype and have an impact on the playoffs. This game will also feature former Philadelphia Eagle Javon Hargrave in his return to Lincoln Financial Field. There has also been quite a bit of trash talk going on between these two teams, which should add another level of intensity to this matchup.
No love lost in the City of Brotherly Love.
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) May 11, 2023
2. Dallas Cowboys
Confirmed: Week 5 at San Francisco
All-Time Record vs. Cowboys: 15-14-1 (.517)
Last Meeting: January 23rd, 2023, W, 19-12 (NFC Divisional Round)
The 49ers-Cowboys rivalry has been reignited over the past two seasons, as both teams have built strong rosters and are playing at a consistently high level. The 49ers have eliminated the Cowboys from the playoffs in consecutive seasons. Both playoff games were incredibly close and physical, as these teams match up well against each other. The Cowboys will be looking to avenge their playoff loss, so the 49ers will need to be ready for the next entry in this storied rivalry. This will be a good early-season test for the 49ers to see how they match up against a team with an explosive offense and aggressive defense, with playmakers on both sides of the ball.
Y'all remember this catch? 🤯 @gkittle46#DALvsSF returns to @LevisStadium on 10/8. pic.twitter.com/i6uUdVZ6lc
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) May 11, 2023
3. Seattle Seahawks
All-Time Record vs. Seahawks: 19-29 (.396)
Last Meeting: January 14th, 2023, W, 41-23 (NFC Wild Card Round)
The 49ers beat the Seahawks three times last season, including knocking them out of the playoffs in the Wild Card round. However, after free agency and the draft, many people believe the Seahawks have closed the gap and could overtake the 49ers this season. These two teams are projected to be the top two teams in the NFC West this season. Anytime these teams are competitive and battling for a divisional title, it is one of the most intense rivalries in football.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
All-Time Record vs. Bengals: 11-4 (.733)
Last Meeting: December 12th, 2021, W, 26-23
The Bengals are a talented team and have had their last two seasons end just short of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. This will be a good matchup to see how the 49ers compare to one of the AFC's best teams and how the 49ers defense matches up with Joe Burrow and the wide receiver trio of Ja'mar Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. The last time these two teams faced off, it was a close and exciting game that ended on a game-winning Brandon Aiyuk touchdown catch in overtime.
WALK OFF WINNER!@THE2ERA 🙌#SFvsCIN pic.twitter.com/FoHZDKhSk3
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 13, 2021
5. Baltimore Ravens
All-Time Record vs. Ravens: 2-4 (.333)
Last Meeting: December 1st, 2019, L, 17-20
A Super Bowl XLVII rematch will bring dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson to Levi's Stadium. The Ravens have assembled a competitive roster and have surrounded Jackson with weapons such as Odell Beckham Jr., Mark Andrews, Rashod Bateman, and rookie Zay Flowers. This will be a tough physical test for the 49ers. The last time these teams faced off, Jackson rushed 16 times for 104 yards and a touchdown in a Ravens victory.
Will 2023 be the season that the 49ers bring home their sixth Lombardi Trophy? With the talent assembled on this roster, anything less would feel like another disappointing season.
