The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their 2025 campaign with a solid 12-5 record, but that was only good enough for third place in a fiercely competitive NFC West—a division that sent three teams to the playoffs, including the eventual Super Bowl champions. As the team looks ahead to 2026, they've kept most of their coaching staff and front office intact, with the notable exception of promoting Raheem Morris to defensive coordinator after Robert Saleh left for a head coaching gig.

Now, all eyes are on the upcoming schedule release later this week, when the 49ers will learn the dates for all 17 of their regular-season games. But before that happens, CBS Sports analyst Bryan DeArdo has identified one key wish Kyle Shanahan's squad should be hoping for: favorable scheduling around their international games.

"The 49ers face the Rams in Australia in Week 1 before playing in Mexico City in Week 11. The Dolphins are the rumored foe there," DeArdo noted. "One would expect the NFL to give the 49ers a home game in Week 2 and a potential Week 12 bye."

No team will log more travel miles than San Francisco in 2026, thanks to those two international matchups. That kind of jet-setting can take a toll on even the most prepared rosters. Given the 49ers' recent struggles with injuries—several key players missed significant time last season—extra rest or a home game at Levi's Stadium after these long-haul trips could be a game-changer.

Of course, recent history suggests the NFL hasn't always been kind to the 49ers in scheduling quirks. They might end up playing on the road right after these international contests, which would only add to the challenge. But for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, a little luck from the schedule makers could go a long way.