Now that the 2024 NFL Schedule is official, the San Francisco 49ers, a team that has consistently shined brightest in the spotlight, will play in an impressive six primetime games, a record tied with the Jets and the Cowboys. In 2023, the team played in five primetime games, showcasing their prowess with a 3-2 record. They faced tough opponents like the Minnesota Vikings and the Baltimore Ravens but also delivered dominant performances against the Dallas Cowboys, the Giants, and the Seahawks.
Will the 49ers continue their winning streak in primetime in 2024? Here's a list of their 2024 primetime opponents.
Week 1 (ESPN/ABC): The 49ers kick off the season at home against the New York Jets on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 5:20 p.m. PST on Monday Night Football. Kyle Shanahan will host his former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh in this matchup. Also returning home are players Solomon Thomas (2017, first-round), D.J. Reed (2018, fifth-round), and Javon Kinlaw (2020, first-round). Aaron Rodgers returns to the NFL after his season-ending injury in 2023 to face the team he adored watching as a child. He continues to play with a chip on his shoulder against the 49ers for not drafting him in 2005. The 49ers must set the tone in their matchup against Aaron and the Jets.
Week 6 (Prime): The 49ers travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks on Thursday Night Football, Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 5:15 p.m. PST. The Seahawks are now under new head coach Mike Macdonald, a former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator. In 2023, the Ravens' defense dominated the 49ers at the line of scrimmage, forcing the team to throw five interceptions. Former 49ers' guard Laken Tomlinson gets an opportunity to seek revenge, but the 49ers have owned the Seahawks the last few seasons. Even though the 49ers are traveling north, it's still in the same time zone. Will they continue to make Lumen Field a home away from home?
Week 8 (NBC): The 49ers host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 5:20 p.m. PST. The 49ers play the Chiefs at home the week before, and the Cowboys will return from their bye week to travel to Santa Clara. Last season, the 49ers made this game a statement on Sunday Night Football, destroying the Cowboys 42-10. Expect the 49ers to continue carrying the same energy in 2024 and go out with a bang-bang before they head into their bye week.
Week 13 (NBC): The 49ers return to Sunday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, December 1, 2024. The 49ers will travel to the East Coast to play in a different environment after playing the Packers on the road the week before. With the weather to be determined, the 49ers face the AFC East giants, led by Josh Allen. The Bills will return from their bye after facing the Kansas City Chiefs, so they will be well-rested. The last time the 49ers faced Allen was at home in Arizona in 2020, losing 34-24. Allen threw for four touchdowns and 375 yards in that game. The 49ers' defense is much different, and I'm pretty sure they're up for the challenge of keeping Josh Allen and the Bills at bay. This could be one of the most entertaining primetime games of all time. Purdy vs. Allen sounds like it belongs on pay-per-view.
Week 15 (Prime): The 49ers return to Amazon Prime on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 5:15 p.m. PST for Thursday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams. Sean McVay will look to erase losing to Kyle Shanahan's 49ers during the regular season. He did just that last season, defeating the 49ers in the previous game, but did that count? The Rams will look different without their All-Pro defensive lineman, Aaron Donald. Expect Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers to do what they do best: beat the Rams.
Week 17 (ESPN/ABC): The NFL scheduled the 49ers with their second Monday Night Football Game. The 49ers host the Detroit Lions on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 5:15 PM PST. This was last season's NFC Championship game and could potentially be the 2024 NFC Championship game preview. The 49ers mounted one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history, led by Brock Purdy. Expect the Lions to show up hungry and furious. This game could decide the number one seed in the NFC. Get your popcorn ready as the 49ers look to cap the season off with a bang.
As we look forward to the six primetime games, the question arises: which games will pose the greatest challenge for the 49ers, and which ones will they find easier? The answer is yet to be determined. Once the season is underway, a clearer picture will emerge. Barring any health issues, my season prediction is that the 49ers will maintain a balanced record of 3-3 in primetime, with wins against the Jets, Cowboys, and the Seahawks. But what are your primetime season predictions? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Written by:Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
