Eric Williams of FOX Sports recently made five bold predictions for the 2026 NFL season, including that the Rams would miss the playoffs entirely. While Williams did not directly mention the San Francisco 49ers in his prediction, a Rams collapse could benefit San Francisco in the NFC playoff race.
Interestingly, regarding the Rams, Williams pointed to two concerns that have also surrounded the 49ers this offseason: an aging roster and a demanding travel schedule.
San Francisco features several veteran stars who have logged lengthy NFL careers, including tight end George Kittle, running back Christian McCaffrey, offensive tackle Trent Williams, linebacker Fred Warner, and fullback Kyle Juszczyk. Each has spent at least eight seasons in the league.
The 49ers also added veteran wide receiver Mike Evans this offseason, who enters his 13th NFL season in 2026.
For the Rams, age is a concern at the most important position. Quarterback Matthew Stafford turns 38 this season, and Williams noted that "Father Time is undefeated." He also questioned the team's depth behind Stafford, pointing out the lack of an experienced backup quarterback if the veteran misses time.
Williams further highlighted the Rams' difficult schedule. Los Angeles owns the NFL's fifth-hardest schedule based on projected win totals and faces nine playoff teams from last season.
"Teams with five of the six hardest projected schedules finished under their projected win totals last year," Williams wrote.
Travel could also become a significant challenge. While the 49ers are projected to log the most travel miles in the NFL this season, the Rams rank second due to an international matchup against San Francisco in Australia and several East Coast road trips.
"The Rams travel the second-most miles in the league this season (35,487), including a season opener against their NFC West rival in Australia against the San Francisco 49ers," Williams wrote. "That's just the start of a five-game stretch that includes games at the Broncos and Eagles, plus a home game against the Bills."
None of this guarantees an easier road to the playoffs for the 49ers. However, if a projected NFC West contender like the Rams stumbles, it could improve San Francisco's chances of competing in the division and making another postseason run under head coach Kyle Shanahan—despite the team facing several similar concerns.
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