The 49ers’ 2019 schedule looks like a buzzsaw when put up against last year’s results. Assuming only improvement or a small dip in production from each team, San Francisco has a schedule that will require 17 weeks of their very best football if they’re going to make the playoffs.
Winning at home is one of the first keys to landing in the NFL’s postseason. The 49ers have their normal three division games, two NFC South matchups, an NFC North matchup and two against the AFC North.
If anyone plans on going to a 49ers home game this season, we ranked them in order of best to worst games to attend. The good news is there aren’t any outright abysmal games based on what we know in June. Here are the 49ers’ 2019 home games ranked:
Week 10 vs. Seahawks (Monday Night Football)
This game checks all the boxes for an electric home game. It’s a division game against the team’s biggest rival, late in the year, on Monday Night Football. Levi’s Stadium hasn’t had a “moment” yet since the team has struggled since its inaugural season there. This game could offer that if San Francisco can earn a victory on national TV to make it two wins in a row vs. Seattle, and keep pace near the top of the NFC West.
Week 5 vs. Browns (Monday Night Football)
There’s something different about Monday night games that make them a must-attend event. Typically a game against Cleveland would get shoved down the list thanks to perpetual ineptitude from that franchise. However, they’ve built themselves into a genuine playoff contender and a favorite to win an AFC North that features perennial playoff participants Pittsburgh and Baltimore. An early-season test against an exceptionally talented team.
Week 3 vs. Steelers
The level of hype around the home opener will depend largely on how the 49ers’ first two games go. Either way, the first home game of the year should generate enough excitement to help mitigate some of the inevitable invasion by Steelers fans. If San Francisco can win their first two games and go into their home opener against one of the NFL’s most successful franchises undefeated – this could have as close to a playoff atmosphere as a game can get in Week 3.
Week 12 vs. Packers
It’s a treat watching Aaron Rodgers play in person, but this showdown comes right at the top of the end-of-year stretch run. There’s a good chance the Packers are one of the teams directly in San Francisco’s way in the playoff race. Their meeting in Week 12 should have serious playoff implications. Combine that with a sure-to-be large contingent of Packers fans and this one has all the makings of a very fun contest.
Week 16 vs. Rams
The second matchup of the year against Los Angeles could wind up skyrocketing up this list by the end of the season. This may not only have playoff implications, but it could be the kind of game that decides a division winner. On the other hand, it could be a struggle for San Francisco if the two teams continue on the trajectory they’ve been on for the last couple seasons. A couple of blowouts against the Rams last year dampens the anticipation of this one a bit, but it should still be a fun showdown either way.
Week 15 vs. Falcons
It’ll be interesting to see if Kyle Shanahan and Tevin Coleman’s knowledge of Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense plays any role in San Francisco’s ability to stop them. This is another game that may wind up having massive, late-season playoff implications, but for now it’s a matchup against an NFC South foe that’s fan base doesn’t travel particularly well. It’s worth noting that Julio Jones is a ton of fun to see in person, and it may be worth the price of admission just to watch him play.
Week 8 vs. Panthers
Cam Newton’s health will play a big role in how attractive this game is. There’s a theme in the 49ers’ home schedule where a ton of their games could affect the playoff race. That’ll require a ton falling properly into place for both teams at this point in the year, and there’s about an equal chance that one or both of these teams isn’t very good by the middle of the season. A healthy Newton is among the most electrifying players in the league though. Third-year running back Christian McCaffrey is also sensational. Both of those players are must-see even if the Panthers don’t thrive int the win column.
Week 11 vs. Cardinals
Rookie quarterback Kyler Murray might be good! He also might not be starting by this point. Kliff Kingsbury may be able to bring their offense to a new, more explosive level, but Arizona is just too early in a significant rebuild to make a major impact. Perhaps the Cardinals shock some people and come out fighting despite a shallow roster. The chances seem higher that both of these teams are bad instead of great.
