The San Francisco 49ers have become a fixture under the bright lights of primetime football, and if history is any guide, fans can expect more of the same in 2026. Over the past several seasons, the 49ers have consistently been a top draw for national audiences, appearing in primetime five times in 2025 and peaking at six in 2024. Since their Super Bowl run in 2023, the team has averaged five primetime games per year—a trend that seems poised to continue.
Even with the Seattle Seahawks' resurgence and the Los Angeles Rams' deep playoff push to the NFC Championship, the 49ers remain a marquee franchise. The NFL's decision to send them to two international games this season only underscores their global appeal. But the primetime count could go even higher, thanks to the league's flex scheduling. Last season, San Francisco had three games moved to more prominent slots, including a Week 6 showdown in Tampa Bay that shifted from a morning kickoff to the afternoon window. Late-season contests against the Indianapolis Colts and a season-finale clash with the Seahawks were also flexed into primetime.
Looking ahead to 2026, the schedule offers plenty of potential for high-stakes, nationally televised matchups. A trip to the Big Apple to face the New York Giants, now led by head coach John Harbaugh, could be a prime candidate for a Sunday or Monday night slot. The Dallas Cowboys, expected to be among the NFC's elite, also visit the 49ers in a road game that screams primetime. Beyond those, there are several "what if" teams that could make for compelling television: the Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Chargers, and Washington Commanders are all projected to hover around .500, meaning their late-season performances could dictate whether these games get the primetime treatment.
For 49ers fans, the message is clear: get ready for another season of high-profile, nationally televised football. Whether it's five, six, or more primetime games, the 49ers are once again set to be a centerpiece of the NFL schedule.