Two recent predictions from NFL.com have head coach Kyle Shanahan leading the 49ers back to the playoffs as a Wild Card team.
Ali Bhanpuri and Tom Blair both projected San Francisco to finish as the NFC's No. 6 seed. However, they differed on the NFC West champion.
Bhanpuri predicted the Los Angeles Rams would win the division and secure the conference's top seed, while Blair picked the Seattle Seahawks to finish atop the NFC.
| Bhanpuri | Blair |
| 1. Rams (12-5) | 1. Seahawks (12-5) |
| 2. Cowboys (11-6) | 2. Bears (11-6) |
| 3. Bears (10-7) | 3. Eagles (10-7) |
| 4. Falcons (9-8) | 4. Panthers (9-8) |
| Wild Cards | Wild Cards |
| 5. Seahawks (11-6) | 5. Rams (12-5) |
| 6. 49ers (10-7) | 6. 49ers (11-6) |
| 7. Eagles (10-7) | 7. Lions (11-6) |
"The Niners travel a lot this season, with trips to Australia, Atlanta, Mexico, and New York on the itinerary," Ali wrote. "I worry all those miles will catch up with this squad down the stretch, particularly when mid-December hits: Mixed-to-poor results against the Rams, Chargers, Chiefs, and Eagles (Weeks 14-17) have the potential to undo any early-season gains.
"San Francisco weathered so many injuries last year en route to 12 wins, so I'd be silly to rule out back-to-back playoff berths for Kyle Shanahan's squad. But unlike last year, I see the 49ers clawing for a wild-card spot -- not contending for a division title -- when Week 18 rolls around."
In Bhanpuri's projection, the 49ers' seven losses come against the Rams in Australia, the Denver Broncos at home, and then during a brutal five-game late-season skid against the Seahawks, New York Giants, Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and Kansas City Chiefs. That difficult stretch follows San Francisco's second international game of the season, a contest in Mexico City.
Meanwhile, Blair projects a stronger start for the 49ers, with the team opening the season 6-1. Their lone loss during that stretch comes at home against the Washington Commanders.
After the bye week, Blair predicts San Francisco losses against the Las Vegas Raiders at home, the Dallas Cowboys on the road, the Chargers on the road, the Philadelphia Eagles at home, and the Arizona Cardinals in the regular-season finale.
| Schedule | Bhanpuri | Blair |
| Week 1: at Rams (Australia) | L | W |
| Week 2: vs. Dolphins | W | W |
| Week 3: vs. Cardinals | W | W |
| Week 4: vs. Broncos | L | W |
| Week 5: at Seahawks | W | W |
| Week 6: vs. Commanders | W | L |
| Week 7: at Falcons | W | W |
| Week 8: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 9: vs. Raiders | W | L |
| Week 10: at Cowboys | W | L |
| Week 11: vs. Vikings (Mexico) | W | W |
| Week 12: vs. Seahawks | L | W |
| Week 13: at Giants | L | W |
| Week 14: vs. Rams | L | W |
| Week 15: at Chargers | L | L |
| Week 16: at Chiefs | L | W |
| Week 17: vs. Eagles | W | L |
| Week 18: at Cardinals | W | L |
| Record: | 10-7 | 11-6 |
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Why Hall of Fame predictions are tricky—and which 49ers are on track
In a recent ESPN article on soon-to-be market-setting contracts, Bill Barnwell calls Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson a "future Hall of Famer." While that might be true—Jackson is a superstar—that phrase is thrown around way too often. Before I get started, let me iterate:... -
49ers mentioned in two bold three-team trade proposals
Three-team trades are rare in the NFL, but they remain fun to imagine because they can address needs for several franchises at once. The San Francisco 49ers were active this offseason, but on paper, they still appear to trail the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks in the... -
Schefter casts doubt on potential 49ers target Joey Bosa continuing NFL career
There has been significant speculation that the San Francisco 49ers could pursue a veteran pass rusher ahead of the 2026 season, with defensive end Joey Bosa often mentioned as a potential option. A reunion with the 49ers would create a major storyline, as Joey's younger... -
Schefter: 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk's behavior likely raising red flags across the NFL
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk appears to be doing little to improve his standing around the NFL as his offseason behavior continues to draw criticism. The disgruntled San Francisco 49ers receiver has openly expressed frustration with the organization and is trying to force the...