49ers 2025 Schedule: Key Dates, Matchups, and What Fans Should Expect This Season

The San Francisco 49ers are entering the 2025 NFL season with unfinished business and high expectations. After a challenging 2024 plagued by injuries to star players like Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Dre Greenlaw, and George Kittle, the team is eager to reclaim its position as a Super Bowl contender. The preseason offers a chance to build momentum, starting with an exciting opener against the Denver Broncos on August 9 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Fans have plenty to look forward to, from critical divisional matchups to prime-time showdowns. With a mix of home-field advantage and tough road challenges, the 49ers schedule promises high-stakes football throughout the fall.

What Does the 49ers Schedule Look Like in 2025?

The 49ers’ journey kicks off with three preseason games, followed by a regular season opener against a division rival. Here’s a breakdown of the first few games:

Preseason

• Aug. 9 – vs. Broncos – 8:30 p.m. ET

• Aug. 16 – at Raiders – 4:00 p.m. ET

• Aug. 23 – vs. Chargers – 8:30 p.m. ET

Regular Season

• Sept. 7 – at Seahawks – 4:05 p.m. ET

• Sept. 14 – at Saints – 1:00 p.m. ET

The early slate includes back-to-back road trips to Seattle and New Orleans, testing the team’s travel endurance and adaptability. Facing the Seahawks in Week 1 immediately brings division implications, while the Saints matchup could prove vital for NFC playoff positioning.

For head coach Kyle Shanahan, this season is about proving that last year’s setbacks were an anomaly, not the start of a decline. The 49ers schedule is particularly significant because:

• Strong divisional competition: Every NFC West team has improved, making each matchup critical.

• Key road challenges: The early away games will test both the offense’s efficiency and the defense’s endurance.

• Health of star players: Staying injury-free will be crucial to converting talent into wins.

As history has shown, strong starts in September often set the tone for deep postseason runs. The 49ers know the stakes.

NFL analysts point to the 49ers schedule as both a challenge and an opportunity. If San Francisco navigates its early road games successfully, it could establish itself as one of the NFC’s top seeds.

The offensive core—led by quarterback Brock Purdy and supported by McCaffrey and Aiyuk—has the firepower to dominate. Defensively, Nick Bosa’s pass rush will be key to stopping elite quarterbacks in critical games.

Momentum from preseason victories can carry over, but execution during divisional clashes will determine playoff seeding.

What’s Next for the 49ers?

After their preseason opener against the Broncos, the 49ers will fine-tune their roster ahead of Week 1. Training staff will focus on conditioning and injury prevention, while Shanahan will likely keep certain playbook wrinkles hidden until the regular season.

Fans can expect a mix of aggressive offense and disciplined defense—hallmarks of Shanahan’s style. With the right balance of health, strategy, and execution, the 49ers could once again be knocking on the Super Bowl’s door.

The 49ers schedule in 2025 is more than just a list of dates—it’s a roadmap to redemption. The team’s ability to rise above last season’s adversity will depend on every game, every play, and every healthy snap.

You Must Know

Q1: When is the 49ers’ first regular season game in 2025?
The San Francisco 49ers open their regular season on September 7, 2025, with a road game against the Seattle Seahawks at 4:05 p.m. ET.

Q2: Who are the 49ers’ preseason opponents in 2025?
They face the Denver Broncos (home), Las Vegas Raiders (away), and Los Angeles Chargers (home) before the regular season begins.

Q3: Why is the 2025 season important for the 49ers?
After a disappointing, injury-ridden 2024, the 49ers aim to prove they are still Super Bowl contenders with a healthy roster and a competitive schedule.

Q4: Which games could be the toughest for the 49ers?
Early road games against the Seahawks and Saints, as well as divisional matchups later in the season, are expected to be key challenges.

Q5: What time is the 49ers’ preseason opener against the Broncos?
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on August 9, 2025, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.