Thanks to Corete for pointing this out in the FanShots: It looks like the NFL will be announcing the schedule this Tuesday, April 17 at 4:00 p.m. PT. Eric Branch pointed to the ESPN programming guide listing an "NFL Schedule Release" show. When I checked it simply said Sportscenter Special, but the time and date matches up to last year's schedule release, so it's probably safe to say this will be happening.
There have been no leaks to date as to potential 49ers dates, but I could see the team getting a kickoff opener on Monday Night Football. They won't be in the Thursday opener and likely won't be in the Sunday Night Football opener, but given their high profile finish to last season, a high profile opener seems appropriate.
In considering how many games the 49ers would have in prime time, I had not really factored in that some of their big matchups could very well be in the 10am or 1pm slot, but simply be the major game of the week. It's not the same as having an entire time slot to yourself, but it is stilla step in the right direction.
Here is a look once again at the 49ers list of opponents for 2012:
Home: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks
Away: Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks