2012 NFL Schedule: 49ers Opponents Include Road Games Against Packers, Patriots, Saints

by David Fucillo on Jan 4, 2012 2:30 PM PST in 49ers NFL Schedule

This officially qualifies as dated information, but I definitely wanted to get a post up with a rundown of the 49ers 2012 list of opponents. We had a pretty solid idea of the opponents back in mid-December, but now we have the specifics, as well as some clarification on the rotation of home and away games.

This year the 49ers divisional and conference rotation means they get to play the AFC East and the NFC North. Additionally, they get the first place teams in the NFC East and NFC South. One of the "perks" of winning the division is dates with the rest of the NFC division winners. It is entirely possible one or more of the current "good" teams will take a nose dive, so strength of schedule based on 2011 performance almost provides a starting point for a discussion.

In December, the 49ers season ticket page had the 49ers hosting the Packers and Vikings because of previous rotations. However, that rotation changed in 2010 in order to prevent teams playing the AFC and NFC West from having to make two West Coast trips (to Seattle and to San Francisco) while other teams in their division did not have to make such trips (to Arizona and to St. Louis).

God forbid the league consider such issues for west coast teams traveling east. That would simply be insanity.

HOME: Lions, Bears, Dolphins, Bills, Giants, Rams, Cardinals, Seahawks

AWAY: Packers, Vikings, Saints, Patriots, Jets, Rams, Cardinals, Seahawks

Making predictions at this point would be nothing more than fun and games at this point. We have some ideas about some of the teams, most notably the higher quality teams. But, the teams that struggled or were in the middle of the pack this year could make a significant swing heading into 2012. For example, if Jeff Fisher takes over the St. Louis Rams and they have a solid run through free agency and the draft, they could become a lot better than the 2-14 slop we saw this year.

The Saints, Packers and Patriots would seem to be the three games that are easily the toughest on the schedule just at first glance. Beyond that, you could make cases for any of the other teams bringing a little something to the table. I can't really make specific predictions at this point, but I can throw out some thoughts on how tough I see certain opponents being next year. It's based on performance this year and mere speculation moving forward, but what the heck:

1. Green Bay Packers
2. New Orleans Saints
3. New England Patriots
4. Detroit Lions
5. New York Giants
6. Chicago Bears
7. Seattle Seahawks
8. Miami Dolphins
9. New York Jets
10. Arizona Cardinals
11. Minnesota Vikings
12. Buffalo Bills
13. St. Louis Rams

Tweet Comment 50 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

smh...

Seems like we always have to go to lambeu when we play the packers . I feel like its been three times in a row. And the whole east to west is complete bs. West coast teams travel the most and the league seems to not care but when it comes to east coast teams they bend over backwards…smh

by Texasninerfan on Jan 4, 2012 2:41 PM PST via mobile reply actions

3 trips to Lambeau in 4 years.

Selfishly, I love it. It’s a chance to see my favorite team in my favorite NFL destination. I would highly recommend it to anyone making a road trip next year. That said it does seem pretty odd.

by 9isEnough on Jan 4, 2012 3:15 PM PST via Android app up reply actions

It definitely doesn't seem like coincidence

And, while teams fortunes change year to year, I find it interesting that the 49ers are going on the road against basically the three best QB’s in the league.

That flight to Mass is long, but the flight back, after destroying Brady, should be a lot of fun.

"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will

by lottwasgangsta on Jan 4, 2012 3:28 PM PST up reply actions

A distant memory

One of the few memories as a kid going to a Niners game, I got to see the Packers ( Bart Starr as QB ) at Candlestick.

by MidnightSire on Jan 4, 2012 4:04 PM PST up reply actions

hopefully some of those long road trips will be night games. too many 10am games won't go over well

I doubt we’ll get a home night game for obvious reasons, but I suppose it could happen

"There was no torture in the end. Only rapture." - Mike Krukow
Flags Fly Forever

"Orlando before Zod" doesn't have the same nice ring to it.

by nostocksjustbonds on Jan 4, 2012 2:50 PM PST reply actions

I'm sure GB, NO or NE will be a night game as long as we win one playoff game

Ideally, I would like to see NE on MNF, NO on SNF, have back to back weeks at the Vikings and GB, vikings first, then GB with the team staying back there for the week like last year. This would really take down the schedule bias in those games.

by reedkrase on Jan 4, 2012 3:34 PM PST up reply actions

nope

Giants MNF, Patriots TNF, Seattle home, Green Bay, Seattle away, NO 10 o clock game. That will teach us for being good when we were supposed to have sucked.

Follow @FLPReliableCPR

by mcwagner on Jan 4, 2012 3:46 PM PST up reply actions

Having a West coast team travel on a short week to the east coast for a Thursday game is horrible.

That is why the Ravens beat us on Thanksgiving.

Of course the way they love the Niners I can see the MNF game followed by the TNF game. I mean, why give the Niners a chance?

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jan 4, 2012 4:09 PM PST up reply actions

Whoa

You don’t mean we play Giants on MNF, then three days later play New England on TNF…do you??

by ZivilynBane on Jan 4, 2012 7:57 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

yup

NFL is a harsh mistress

Follow @FLPReliableCPR

by mcwagner on Jan 4, 2012 8:05 PM PST up reply actions

Ok you're just messing with me

I’ve read that dates and times of the games are currently unannounced.

by ZivilynBane on Jan 4, 2012 10:52 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

We got a place to stay n Ohio;)

by mrb24 on Jan 4, 2012 5:58 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

Earning It

This schedule is legit. If (When) we do well next year we will definitely have earned respect from players, pundits, and everyone in between. I am intimidated by this schedule. The Away games are ridiculously stacked.

by 9er80 on Jan 4, 2012 2:52 PM PST reply actions

Yeah they are! Shouldn't the Niners get to play SOME home games against these opponents

at least the Saints, since they have a better record than them, right?

Win or lose, at the end of the day I'm just happy to see the Niners play well... Okay, winning is good. I prefer winning.
"Yeah, I do get emotional. It fires me up. It fires me up a lot. I'm not going to apologize for that. If that offends you or anybody else, then so be it." ~ Jim Harbaugh

by El Dorado on Jan 4, 2012 3:16 PM PST up reply actions

Agree

I mean, if you asked most people to name the top 5 qb’s in the league, Brees, Rodgers, and Brady would be on every knowledgeable person’s list.

We may have to do it the hard way next year, but we will shock at least one of those teams. It just seems like we should get to face at least one of them at home, when they travel.

"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will

by lottwasgangsta on Jan 4, 2012 3:30 PM PST up reply actions

East Coast Bias

As to Fooch’s point about changing up the home/away schedule to placate teams traveling West, this blatant favortism of ALL East Coast teams in terms of scheduling is infuriating. I don’t understand why any game involving a West Coast team can’t start at 1:00 Pacific regardless of location. East Coast games are a mix of both 10 am start times and 1 pm start times. There are only 4 West Coast teams (6 if you want to go so far as Arizona and Denver) and not all of them travel East on the same weekends. So, why not have all games involving West Coast teams start at 1:00 Pacific? There is no advantage to East Coast teams with that start time and the West Coast teams don’t get the 10 am Pacific detriment from early East Coast games. Someone please help me understand this.

by 9er80 on Jan 4, 2012 3:05 PM PST reply actions 3 recs

Ditto to this

Just so ridiculous.

by El Dorado on Jan 4, 2012 3:13 PM PST up reply actions

+1

Jeff Mathis (Pseudonym Lyle Spencer) is History... Zang!

by Halo Hurricane on Jan 4, 2012 5:34 PM PST up reply actions

I hope the storylines going into next season for these games look a little something like this

“Packers looking for revenge after losing NFC title game to 49ers”

“Pats face super bowl champs in rematch of last years Super Bowl”

“Saints Welcome SF to Superdome after losing divisional game last season at Candlestick”

by 49erEmpire on Jan 4, 2012 3:06 PM PST via mobile reply actions 15 recs

Boss

Looking to put San Fran*six-o* here some time soon!

by dartdart on Jan 4, 2012 3:46 PM PST up reply actions

get green

by mrg80 on Jan 4, 2012 3:55 PM PST up reply actions

that would be awesome!!!!

by rmcraejr on Jan 4, 2012 8:37 PM PST up reply actions

LOL yes

If you're watching a blowout, you can pass the time by counting the double teapots.
Samurai Champloo > Macross

by doubleteapot on Jan 4, 2012 9:05 PM PST up reply actions

I noticed that we play 3 tough division leaders away in Green Bay, New Orleans and New England

But we only play one, the Giants, here in SF.

That has to be east coast bias. It is better money for all 3 of those teams to play at home they don’t want to upset their favorites.

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jan 4, 2012 3:08 PM PST reply actions

That’s a pretty savage road schedule. The Jets aren’t pushovers either – I think the Jets in NY are probably as tough as the Lions or Giants in SF.

It’s going to be extremely hard to go 13-3 again with that schedule.

[Poorly Wrought THING] is what Brian Sabean would have made if he were a [THING-maker] instead of a MLB GM

by zenbitz on Jan 4, 2012 3:09 PM PST reply actions

self reply

ALL the more reason to win the SB this year!!!

[Poorly Wrought THING] is what Brian Sabean would have made if he were a [THING-maker] instead of a MLB GM

by zenbitz on Jan 4, 2012 3:10 PM PST up reply actions

niners go 11-5 next season

i see us beating NE, and either winning at NO or GB on the road but not both putting us at 2-3 on the road vs what right now looks like the toughest teams on the schedule. sweeping the division or going 5-1 again is looking like a must with the schedule stacked the way it is. luckily we should see an improved niners team that can face this challenge

by baykid415 on Jan 4, 2012 3:23 PM PST reply actions

Yup

Teams rise and fall from year to year, but the ones with the best QB’s in the league tend to stay where they are. Those three teams have 3 out of the 4 best QB’s in football. Ridiculous. Definitely don’t understand why those games can’t at least start at 4pm eastern time.

The league must have been irritated in the 80’s and 90’s when the Niners wouldn’t stop beating EVERYONE.

"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will

by lottwasgangsta on Jan 4, 2012 3:34 PM PST up reply actions

12-4

5-1 in division, undefeated at home, at least Jets and Vikings on the road.

Looking to put San Fran*six-o* here some time soon!

by dartdart on Jan 4, 2012 3:47 PM PST up reply actions

this

we should be perfect at home and we can still get some easy wins away. 12-4 with some good wins and a WTF loss

Follow @FLPReliableCPR

by mcwagner on Jan 4, 2012 3:49 PM PST up reply actions

I count seven opponents that should make a very strong push at the playoffs

including 4-5 of the top ten teams in the league. Nothing about that schedule strikes me as remotely easy.

by BruinMW on Jan 4, 2012 3:56 PM PST reply actions

Vikings, Rams

easy

Follow @FLPReliableCPR

by mcwagner on Jan 4, 2012 3:57 PM PST up reply actions

Identical record to this year...

…shouldn’t be out of the question. I think if we can be at least 1-2 on the road against the Saints, New England, and Green Bay, 13-3 is not out of the question. The only Home game I’m worried about would be Detroit. You know they want to try to stick it to us since we whipped that A in Detroit this year.

by Gs Unit on Jan 4, 2012 3:58 PM PST reply actions

By and large I agree with your rankings of opponents— I would shift Arizona up and Detroit down, however. IMO, Detroit should be behind the Bears and Giants (in that order), and Arizona should be ahead of Miami and the Jets. At this point, if everyone were healthy, that’s how I’d rank them.

Idolizing Robb Nen since 2002...

by Smoke on the Water on Jan 4, 2012 4:01 PM PST reply actions

AFC vs NFC

I wish the schedules would not include mixing in AFC and NFC games, I use to like it when not only could you cheer on your team ( if they made it to the Super Bowl ) but there was always the argument how the AFC was better than the NFC or vice versa. Even though the odds are not likely, but there’s always the chance the Super Bowl could be a second meeting.

by MidnightSire on Jan 4, 2012 4:08 PM PST reply actions

I say 4-2 against the NFC West, probably split seahawks and cardinals but sweep rams again because their improvements just won’t be enough

Beat Bears, Dolphins, Bills, Giants, Vikings, Jets
Lose to Lions, Packers, Saints, Patriots

So preliminary 10-6, 16-0 if we get Matt Flynn

"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais

by MichaelClutchtree on Jan 4, 2012 4:18 PM PST reply actions

Rite , Scott Mitchell , Rob Johnson , Elvis Grbac , Matt Casel , Charley Whitehurst etc etc etc ... the list is endless ...!!

I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ..( .AleX ) was asked , what do you think about all the game manager talk ... AleX i guess i just managed myself a VIctory ... Extend the Man ...!!

by Edggy on Jan 4, 2012 6:26 PM PST up reply actions

You skipped Matt Schaub in that list.

by Mycroft's Brother on Jan 4, 2012 11:17 PM PST up reply actions

Nope , didn't make the I played Three good games sign me for Millions ...!!

I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ..( .AleX ) was asked , what do you think about all the game manager talk ... AleX i guess i just managed myself a VIctory ... Extend the Man ...!!

by Edggy on Jan 5, 2012 6:40 AM PST up reply actions

None of those were Green Bay backups...

That’s the place to snag them… A very strong tree of QBs…

by Takeo33 on Jan 5, 2012 12:01 AM PST up reply actions

A very strong Coaching staff with Great players and a Great system you mean ...!!

I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ..( .AleX ) was asked , what do you think about all the game manager talk ... AleX i guess i just managed myself a VIctory ... Extend the Man ...!!

by Edggy on Jan 5, 2012 6:14 AM PST up reply actions

predicting next years record

Before this season has ended is flipping hilarious.

49ers will, however, go after another vet corner opposite Rogers (if he resigns) in order to matchup against these teams. This moving Culliver into regular nickel play and replacing Brown.

Yes, I just did Twitter. Follow me for ultra intelligent insight.
"I am our future, forget Kory"

by nocal81(Vincent) on Jan 4, 2012 4:42 PM PST via mobile reply actions

Boy I agree with this

Worrying about next year while we’re in a bye week prior to a divisional playoff game is funnier than anything you could make up.

"It's impossible to hide the fire inside" - Bob Seger

by Jaxson876 on Jan 5, 2012 7:13 AM PST up reply actions

Schedule blows...

I would be interested to see the schedules of other West Coast teams compared to ours though..

Let's giggity giggity Go 49ers!!!

by Kittles on Jan 4, 2012 4:49 PM PST via Android app reply actions

And I will most certainly be heading to Minnesota to see the 49ers get revenge for the ridiculous loss last year.

Let's giggity giggity Go 49ers!!!

by Kittles on Jan 4, 2012 4:50 PM PST via Android app up reply actions

Wow - totally used to East Coast Bias in baseball

Didn’t know it existed in football too…
If they have the rule for east to west, it should go west to east as well.
Pathetic.

Jeff Mathis (Pseudonym Lyle Spencer) is History... Zang!

by Halo Hurricane on Jan 4, 2012 5:32 PM PST reply actions

LMAO....Congrats 49ers for going 13-3 in 2011!!

Now go play @ GB,NE,NO!! Talk about frequent flyer miles.

I’m HOT with Goddell & his minions! I want him to take @NYJ out & put in @ Pitts, switch @ Minn with @ HOU, take home vs Bears out put in ATL! Only then will I be satisfied with with this schedule..

P.S.- Yes I left DEN out cause I truly don’t want to see the team I love get Tebowed! Oh also don’t want no stinking Harbowl II on next years thanksgiving either….

Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!

The Most Interesting Man In The World---->Mikhail Prokhorov!!!

by Kidd2Petrovic on Jan 4, 2012 8:21 PM PST via mobile reply actions