Niners Nation - San Francisco 49ers NFL schedule 2014: Everything we know"We're the San Francisco 49ers, we can do whatever we want."https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47865/ninersnation_f.png2014-04-27T10:30:03-07:00http://www.ninersnation.com/rss/stream/54076812014-04-27T10:30:03-07:002014-04-27T10:30:03-07:00Late bye week should help 49ers this season
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<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The San Francisco 49ers should benefit from a late bye week, unlike the rest of the NFC West.</p> <p>We've already talked about the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> schedule at length, but there's one important aspect of the whole thing that I think has been overlooked. The 49ers will get a Week 8 bye, which is right in the middle of the season and, to me, the absolute best time to have a bye.</p>
<p>To compare, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> all have a bye in Week 4. I don't really see a benefit in an early bye week. That early in the season, a team is banged up, sure, but it's not necessarily the best time to take a break. Rather, it's not the most beneficial time to take a break.</p>
<p>But the 49ers will have seven games under their belt, and they've got two big matchups against the Seahawks right after that bye. In addition to that, the 49ers have a favorable second-half schedule outside of those Seattle games, with minimal travel and four home games in their final six. But getting rested up just before those crucial divisional matchups is the best-case scenario.</p>
<p>The only negative to a late bye, in my opinion, only occurs when you have a situation where you've got a player coming back from injury. If that player is expected back after a couple weeks, having an early bye could give that player some extra time to heal up. Fortunately for the 49ers, they're relatively healthy, aside from NaVorro Bowman. And looking at Bowman's injury, he shouldn't be back until around Week 8 at the earliest, regardless.</p>
<p>So the 49ers will get that late bye, will rest before some of the biggest matchups of the season and meanwhile, the divisional rivals will all have squandered it earlier in the season. Feels pretty good!</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2014/4/27/5657814/49ers-schedule-2014-bye-weekJames Brady2014-04-26T14:30:06-07:002014-04-26T14:30:06-07:00Ranking the 49ers 2014 games by ticket price
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We take a look at ticket prices on the secondary market for each of the 49ers 2014 games.</p> <p>With the 2014 NFL schedule being released last night, we already have a plethora of tickets on the secondary market. These are season-ticket holders who have determined they aren't able to make it to those games, or perhaps who planned on selling some of their tickets in order to recover some of the costly SBL fees they paid to be season ticket holders at Levi's Stadium.</p>
<p>While these prices will surely fluctuate, especially when non-season-ticket-holder tickets become available, I thought we'd look at where each game stands in a ranking by <b>average ticket price, then lowest price</b>.</p>
<p>At the time of writing this, there were only tickets available for 10 games. I'll re-visit this topic as more tickets become available. Here's how the games shake out per <a target="_blank" href="http://tiqiq.us/Tre9er2014">TiqIQ's current prices</a>.</p>
<p><b>Average ticket prices:</b></p>
<ol>
<li><span>$274 - 10/13/14 - <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a></span></li>
<li><span>$409 - 11/9/14 - 49ers at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a></span></li>
<li><span>$479 - 11/16/14 - 49ers at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a></span></li>
<li><span>$512 - 9/21/14 - 49ers at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a></span></li>
<li><span>$516 - 11/2/14 - Rams at 49ers</span></li>
<li><span>$525 - 9/7/14 - 49ers at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a></span></li>
<li><span>$563 - 12/14/14 - 49ers at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a></span></li>
<li><span>$577 - 10/19/14 - 49ers at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a></span></li>
<li><span>$635 - 12/7/14 - 49ers at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a></span></li>
<li><span>$674 - 11/27/14 - Seahawks at 49ers</span></li>
</ol>
<p><b>Lowest ticket prices:</b></p>
<ol>
<li><span>$68 - 10/13/14 - Rams at 49ers</span></li>
<li><span>$82 - 9/21/14 - 49ers at Cardinals</span></li>
<li><span>$127 - 9/7/14 - 49ers at Cowboys</span></li>
<li><span>$150 - 12/7/14 - 49ers at Raiders</span></li>
<li><span>$176 - 11/16/14 - 49ers at Giants</span></li>
<li><span>$182 - 10/19/14 - 49ers at Broncos</span></li>
<li><span>$191 - 11/9/14 - 49ers at Saints</span></li>
<li><span>$220 - 12/14/14 - 49ers at Seahawks</span></li>
<li><span>$322- 11/2/14 - Rams at 49ers</span></li>
<li><span>$401 - 11/27/14 - Seahawks at 49ers</span></li>
</ol>
<p>I guess it's no surprise that the Thanksgiving game is the most expensive in both average as well as lowest ticket price. This is one of the biggest rivalries in football, being played on one of the sport's most popular holidays. I know I'll be completely jacked-up for this game. Tryptophan has no power, here.</p>
<p><a href="http://tiqiq.us/Tre9er2014" target="_blank">Check prices out for yourself here</a>, and we hope to see you at a game this year! It sounds like Denver might be the Mecca for The Faithful this year! I imagine Fooch will have a post on this at a later date!</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2014/4/26/5647676/ranking-49ers-2014-games-ticket-price-NFL-scheduleTre9er2014-04-24T05:30:02-07:002014-04-24T05:30:02-07:00Game-by-game predictions for 49ers 2014 schedule
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<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We take a stab at making some early predictions based on the 49ers 2014 NFL schedule.</p> <p>The NFL released the 2014 regular season schedule, and our <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> have a schedule that features some tough opponents, but actually sets up in a fairly decent manner. A lot will change, so we can all take so much from April assessments. And yet, I like the general layout for now.</p>
<p>Even though we know so much will change for the 49ers and their opponents, it's not going to stop us from making early projections. We've made these predictions every year, and they can be hit or miss. In my 2012 predictions, I predicted 12-4. I was only a half game off because of the tie, but I also incorrectly predicted nine of the games. It's great to figure out the record, but what value is there if you can't actually pick the correct games?</p>
<p>I took a look back at 2013 predictions, and I actually did quite well. I predicted a 13-3 record, and the 49ers finished 12-4. More importantly, I was correct on 13 of the 16 games. My only incorrect predictions were the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> loss, the Rams win, and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a> loss. Here's a table of last year's predictions and results:</p>
<table border="1" dir="ltr" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="120">
<col width="120">
<col width="120">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2013 schedule</td>
<td>2013 Prediction</td>
<td>2013 Result</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a>
</td>
<td>WIN</td>
<td>WIN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>@ Seahawks</td>
<td>LOSS</td>
<td>LOSS</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>vs. Colts</td>
<td>WIN</td>
<td>LOSS</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>@ Rams</td>
<td>LOSS</td>
<td>WIN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a>
</td>
<td>WIN</td>
<td>WIN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>vs. Cardinals</td>
<td>WIN</td>
<td>WIN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>@ <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a>
</td>
<td>WIN</td>
<td>WIN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>@ <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jaguars</a>
</td>
<td>WIN</td>
<td>WIN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BYE</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>vs. Panthers</td>
<td>WIN</td>
<td>LOSS</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>@ Saints</td>
<td>LOSS</td>
<td>LOSS</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>@ Washington</td>
<td>WIN</td>
<td>WIN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>vs. Rams</td>
<td>WIN</td>
<td>WIN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>vs. Seahawks</td>
<td>WIN</td>
<td>WIN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>@ <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a>
</td>
<td>WIN</td>
<td>WIN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a>
</td>
<td>WIN</td>
<td>WIN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>@ Cardinals</td>
<td>WIN</td>
<td>WIN</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>I went through the 2014 schedule last night, and <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2014/4/23/5645626/49ers-2014-schedule-analysis-youngstown-seahawks-flex-schedule" target="_blank">my gut initially said 12-4</a>. I went back again for this post, and <b>I now find myself going with 13-3</b>. Homerism at its finest! The difference was having the 49ers split that Saints-Giants road trip. I honestly could see them winning both games, losing both games or splitting. I think they're sufficient toss-ups. The Saints are always tough at home, and I think we'll see an improved Giants squad this year.</p>
<p>I have the 49ers at 5-1 in the division, with their only loss coming at the Seahawks. The 49ers put together a 5-1 mark last season, but this year I think we see improved play from the Rams and Cardinals. 5-1 in the division is not crazy talk, but it's going to be even more difficult than last year.</p>
<p>The opening seven-game stretch includes some tough games, but the layout of the schedule benefits the 49ers. I have the 49ers on a 6-0 run to start the season, but my gut still tells my I'm missing something with this. The Cowboys are always a tough team to figure out. They beat the 49ers in 2011 behind a big performance from Tony Romo. He's dealing with a back injury this time around, but all indications are that he should be back in time for Week 1.</p>
<p>How do your predictions line up compared to this?</p>
<p><b>Week 1</b>: @ <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> -WIN <br><b>Week 2</b>: vs. <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> - WIN<br><b>Week 3</b>: @ <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> - WIN<br><b>Week 4</b>: vs. <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> - WIN<br><b>Week 5</b>: vs. <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> - Win<br><b>Week 6</b>: @ <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> - Win<br><b>Week 7</b>: @ <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> - LOSS<br><b>Week 8</b>: BYE<br><b>Week 9</b>: vs. St. Louis Rams - WIN<br><b>Week 10</b>: @ <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> - LOSS<br><b>Week 11</b>: @ <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> - WIN<br><b>Week 12</b>: vs. Washington - WIN<br><b>Week 13</b>: vs. <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> - WIN<br><b>Week 14</b>: @ <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> - WIN<br><b>Week 15</b>: @ Seattle Seahawks - LOSS<br><b>Week 16</b>: vs. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a> - WIN<br><b>Week 17</b>: vs. Arizona Cardinals -WIN</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2014/4/24/5645936/49ers-schedule-2014-game-by-game-predictions-that-will-embarrass-meDavid Fucillo2014-04-23T17:48:12-07:002014-04-23T17:48:12-07:00Early thoughts on the 49ers schedule
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<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The San Francisco 49ers 2014 schedule has been released. It's time for some way too early thoughts.</p> <p>We have over four months to break down the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> 2014 schedule, but we'll start things off with a few quick thoughts about different aspects of the schedule. It's impossible to know how everything will break down because we know that some teams will be worse than expected, and some teams will be better than expected. Hopefully the 49ers are in the latter category!</p>
<p>First, here's the full schedule:</p>
<p id="paragraph3"><b>Week 1</b>: @ <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> - Sunday, September 7, 1:25 p.m. FOX<br><b>Week 2</b>: vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> - Sunday, September 14, 5:30 p.m. NBC (SNF)<br><b>Week 3</b>: @ <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> - Sunday, September 21, 1:05 p.m. FOX<br><b>Week 4</b>: vs. <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> - Sunday, September 28, 1:25 p.m. FOX<br><b>Week 5</b>: vs. <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> - Sunday, October 5, 1:25 p.m. CBS<br><b>Week 6</b>: @ <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> - Monday, October 13, 5:30 p.m. ESPN (MNF)<br><b>Week 7</b>: @ <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> - Sunday, October 19, 5:30 p.m. NBC (SNF)<br><b>Week 8</b>: BYE<br><b>Week 9</b>: vs. St. Louis Rams - Sunday, November 2, 1:05 p.m. FOX<br><b>Week 10</b>: @ <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> - Sunday, November 9, 10 a.m. FOX<br><b>Week 11</b>: @ <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> - Sunday, November 16, 10 a.m. FOX<br><b>Week 12</b>: vs. Washington - Sunday, November 23, 1:25 p.m. CBS<br><b>Week 13</b>: vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> - Thursday, November 27, 5:30 p.m. NBC (Thanksgiving)<br><b>Week 14</b>: @ <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> - Sunday, December 7, 1:25 p.m. FOX<br><b>Week 15</b>: @ Seattle Seahawks - Sunday, December 14, 1:25 p.m. FOX<br><b>Week 16</b>: vs. <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a> - Saturday, December 20, 1:30 PT CBS<br><b>Week 17</b>: vs. Arizona Cardinals - Sunday, December 28, 1:25 p.m. FOX</p>
<h4>Beneficial open to the season?</h4>
<p>I don't quite know what to make of the pre-bye schedule. The 49ers travel to Dallas, host Chicago, Philly and KC, travel to Denver, and have two divisional matchups with the Cardinals and Rams. The 49ers conceivably could win every one of those games, but these are not exactly cream puff teams. I tell myself the 49ers need to come through that portion of the schedule at 5-2 or 6-1. What do you make of that?</p>
<h4>Youngstown week?</h4>
<p>The post-bye week includes another tough run with back-to-back road games against the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants. Those also happen to be the only 10 a.m. PT starts. Last season, after facing New Orleans the team went back to Santa Clara before traveling to Washington for Monday Night Football. That extra day could have been the difference, but it's possible the location of New Orleans throws things off a bit. We'll see.</p>
<h4>Home stretch value</h4>
<p>The 49ers close out the final six games of the season with four home games and two road games. One road game is in Seattle, and the other is in Oakland. That's pretty beneficial for a team that has frequently been among the league leaders in travel miles. This could prove incredibly beneficial as the 49ers will hopefully be making the run to the playoffs.</p>
<h4>Flex schedule</h4>
<p>The 49ers have four prime time games right now, so there is room for more with in-season flexing. The problem is that the likely weeks feature potentially compelling SNF matchups. Week 5 (vs. Chiefs) features <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a>-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a>. Week 10 (@ Saints) features Bears-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a>. Week 11 (@ Giants) features Patriots-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a>. Week 12 (vs. Washington) features Cowboys-Giants.</p>
<p>A lot can change with teams between now and then, but as it currently stands, nothing jumps out at me as a likely flex.</p>
<h4>Black and blue stretch</h4>
<p>The 49ers host the Seattle Seahawks on Thanksgiving, then "travel" to face the Raiders, then travel to face the Seahawks. Having that rest after the Thanksgiving game could prove huge. The 49ers and Seahawks play some incredibly physical games, so we'll see how the two teams handle that quick turnaround between their matchups.</p>
<h4>Linebacker corps return</h4>
<p>We don't know exactly how much time <span>NaVorro Bowman</span> will miss in the regular season, and we don't quite know what kind of suspension <span>Aldon Smith</span> might face. But given the layout of the schedule, we can have some reasonable hope that both will be available for the 49ers two matchups with the Seahawks. Ideally, both teams are in tip-top shape so there are no excuses for anybody.</p>
<h4>NFC West</h4>
<p>I'm surprised the schedule is not more back-loaded with divisional games. They have no back-to-back divisional games, instead mixing in a week or two of games between each one. The NFL had previously talked about getting more divisional matchups late, but this seems to go in a different direction.</p>
<h4>Early Predictions?</h4>
<p>I just whipped through the schedule and came out with 12-4, although I might have talked myself out of 13-3. I'm a big fat homer, but I'm just not sure what to make of some of these stretches. At 12-4, I had the 49ers losing on the road to the Broncos, Saints, Giants and Seahawks. I think all four of those games are winnable, and of course, some of those wins are losable.</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2014/4/23/5645626/49ers-2014-schedule-analysis-youngstown-seahawks-flex-scheduleDavid Fucillo2014-04-23T16:44:36-07:002014-04-23T16:44:36-07:0049ers schedule officially released
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/t5XO28Cnvepnd8dyozVcyVDO3qU=/63x0:535x315/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32064879/BlxIePCCEAAhrGs.0.jpg" />
<figcaption><a href='http://www.twitter.com/49ers'>@49ers on Twitter</a></figcaption>
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<p>The San Francisco 49ers 2014 NFL schedule is slowly coming out, with the official unveiling due at 5 p.m. PT on Wednesday. Here's what we've got so far.</p> <p>The 2014 NFL schedule is officially set and is slowly being leaked out! The NFL will announce the schedule at 5 p.m. PT, but in the meantime, we're hearing strong rumors about the schedule from very solid sources. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/maioccocsn">Matt Maiocco</a> tipped us all off to Week 1 and 2, there have been a lot of rumors about Thanksgiving, and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/rosenbergmerc">Mike Rosenberg</a> has confirmed the rest of the schedule.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">49ers</a> will open with a pair of games against old rivals when they travel to face the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Cowboys</a> and then host the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a> in the Levi's Stadium opener. The most high profile matchup has to be the Week 13 home game against the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Seahawks</a> on Thanksgiving. The two teams will likely square off on NBC, but that will be confirmed at the top of the hour.</p>
<p>We'll finalize with times and TV info for the rest. For now it looks like four prime time games. All times below are Pacific.</p>
<p><b>Week 1</b>: @ Dallas Cowboys - Sunday, September 7, 1:25 p.m. FOX</p>
<p><b>Week 2</b>: vs. Chicago Bears - Sunday, September 14, 5:30 p.m. NBC (SNF)</p>
<p><b>Week 3</b>: @ Arizona Cardinals - Sunday, September 21, 1:05 p.m. FOX</p>
<p><b>Week 4</b>: vs. <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Eagles</a> - Sunday, September 28, 1:25 p.m. FOX</p>
<p><b>Week 5</b>: vs. <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Chiefs</a> - Sunday, October 5, 1:25 p.m. CBS</p>
<p><b>Week 6</b>: @ St. Louis Rams - Monday, October 13, 5:30 p.m. ESPN (MNF)</p>
<p><b>Week 7</b>: @ Denver Broncos - Sunday, October 19, 5:30 p.m. NBC (SNF)</p>
<p><b>Week 8</b>: BYE</p>
<p><b>Week 9</b>: vs. St. Louis Rams - Sunday, November 2, 1:05 p.m. FOX</p>
<p><b>Week 10</b>: @ New Orleans Saints - Sunday, November 9, 10 a.m. FOX</p>
<p><b>Week 11</b>: @ <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Giants</a> - Sunday, November 16, 10 a.m. FOX</p>
<p><b>Week 12</b>: vs. Washington - Sunday, November 23, 1:25 p.m. CBS</p>
<p><b>Week 13</b>: vs. Seattle Seahawks - Thursday, November 27, 5:30 p.m. NBC (Thanksgiving)</p>
<p><b>Week 14</b>: @ Oakland Raiders - Sunday, December 7, 1:25 p.m. FOX</p>
<p><b>Week 15</b>: @ Seattle Seahawks - Sunday, December 14, 1:25 p.m. FOX</p>
<p><b>Week 16</b>: vs. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">San Diego Chargers</a> - Saturday, December 20, 1:30 PT CBS</p>
<p><b>Week 17</b>: vs. Arizona Cardinals - Sunday, December 28, 1:25 p.m. FOX</p>
<p><b>Flex scheduling changes</b>: The NFL has instituted some changes to the flex scheduling policy. The league previously only allowed games following Week 11 to be flexed. This year, the league will allow up to two games between Weeks 5-10 to be flexed. Additionally, the league will allow "cross-flexing", which means they will be able to flex a FOX game to CBS and vice versa, if there are under-served markets. I don't know how much this will impact 49ers fans in the Bay Area, but I could see some value for 49ers fans outside the 49ers TV market.</p>
<p><b>Tickets</b>: Any single game tickets will likely go on the sale sometime in May. If you can't purchase tickets when they go on sale, you can go through</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2014/4/9/5598306/49ers-2014-preseason-schedule-announced"><b>49ers preseason schedule</b></a>:</p>
<p>Week 1 (Thursday, Aug. 7, 4:30 p.m. CBS-5): at <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Ravens</a><br>Week 2 (Aug. 17, 1 p.m. CBS-5): vs. <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a><br>Week 3 (Sunday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. FOX): vs. Chargers<br>Week 4 (Thursday, Aug. 28, 5 p.m. CBS-5): at <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Texans</a></p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2014/4/23/5643678/49ers-2014-schedule-dates-games-home-awayDavid Fucillo2014-04-23T15:19:29-07:002014-04-23T15:19:29-07:0049ers schedule release open thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WgB5otKZDbCNgzyE0azBgU95AVc=/0x61:4000x2728/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32061179/20131229_mse_se2_114.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Matt Maiocco has heard reports that the 49ers will open the 2014 NFL season in Dallas against the Cowboys</p> <p><b>Fooch's Update #2: <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2014/4/23/5643678/49ers-2014-schedule-dates-games-home-away" target="_blank">49ers schedule has been released!</a></b></p>
<p><b>Fooch's Update</b>: 49ers could be hosting Seahawks for Thanksgiving. Can't confirm this, but rumors buzzing:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Other <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Seahawks&src=hash">#Seahawks</a> news. They will travel to San Fran for a thanksgiving night game. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%2349ers&src=hash">#49ers</a></p>
— Pat Mayo-ABC (@patmayo) <a href="https://twitter.com/patmayo/statuses/459081532993318913">April 23, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>As info leaks out about the NFL's 2014 schedule, Matt Maiocco tweeted that he's heard the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">49ers</a> will open the year on the road in Dallas, facing their old rivals the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cowboys</a>.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Jim Harbaugh is probably already studying for 49ers' Week 1 opponent: Cowboys. (49ers decline to confirm Harbaugh's studying or opponent.)</p>
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaioccoCSN/statuses/459074166566572032">April 23, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>While I was expecting a match-up against one of the final teams left standing in the 2013 playoffs, this doesn't surprise me, either.</p>
<p>The 49ers were long-time rivals with the Cowboys, having post-seasons snatched away from them as Dallas went on to dominate the 1990s. As fans we generally still don't like (and routinely make fun of) the Cowboys, too, so this will generate plenty of ratings.</p>
<p>Dallas is a strange team to get a bead on, often looking among the NFL's elite, only to stumble at crucial moments and bring out the mocking sports memes. Still I think it's fair to say that this is a winnable game for the 49ers to kick off their 2014.</p>
<p>Stay tuned as we get more info about this year's schedule.</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2014/4/23/5645248/49ers-nfl-schedule-rumors-season-opener-cowboysTre9er2014-04-23T14:17:47-07:002014-04-23T14:17:47-07:0049ers-Giants appears set for November 16
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SSd8yLfCqrUt0J1ekAaa0h63Lrk=/1x0:998x665/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32058719/137577605.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Thearon W. Henderson</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A New York radio station is reporting the 49ers will travel to face the New York Giants on November 16. We break down the rest of the schedule rumors.</p> <p><b>Fooch's Update #3: <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2014/4/23/5643678/49ers-2014-schedule-dates-games-home-away" target="_blank">49ers schedule has been released!</a></b></p>
<p><b>Fooch's Update #2</b>: MM hearing at Cowboys Week 1</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>RT <a href="https://twitter.com/HeyTweetHarry">@HeyTweetHarry</a> Week 2, Bears open 49er stadium in SF! > I've heard the same: 49ers Week 1 at Dallas, Week 2 vs. Bears at Levi's Stadium.</p>
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaioccoCSN/statuses/459080668002021376">April 23, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Fooch's Update</b>: I can't verify the accuracy of this, but 49ers might open Levi's Stadium vs. Chicago Bears Week 2:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Week 2, Bears open 49er stadium in SF! Are you listening <a href="https://twitter.com/jhsthegame">@jhsthegame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bears&src=hash">#Bears</a></p>
— Harry Teinowitz (@HeyTweetHarry) <a href="https://twitter.com/HeyTweetHarry/statuses/459067446750486528">April 23, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> 2014 schedule is a little under three hours from being released, but we already have one date potentially locked up. <a href="http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/04/23/francesa-giants-to-open-in-detroit-face-brutal-stretch-in-november/" target="_blank">According to WFAN 660</a>, the San Francisco 49ers will travel to face the New York Giants on November 16. It appears this will be a regular Sunday game, and not a prime time affair. Check out Big Blue View for <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bigblueview.com/2014/4/23/5644292/ny-giants-2014-schedule-dates-games-times-home-away-tv">the entire Giants schedule</a>.</p>
<p>The other rumor floating around is that the 49ers will host a Thanksgiving game. This has not been confirmed, but with the team unable to host weekday prime time games quite yet, it makes sense to give them Thanksgiving as a potential week day prime time game. The weekday games are a problem because the parking they would use is otherwise occupied. Thanksgiving is a holiday, so that parking would be available as it is on Sunday.</p>
<p>We'll have the rest of the schedule in a couple hours. For now, here is a rundown of the 49ers 2014 opponents:</p>
<p id="paragraph10"><b>HOME: </b><a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>, <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>, <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a>, <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a>, Washington, <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a></p>
<p id="paragraph11"><b>AWAY: </b>Arizona Cardinals, <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>, <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a>, <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a>, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a></p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2014/4/23/5645032/49ers-schedule-release-rumors-2014-49ers-vs-giants-november-16David Fucillo2014-04-23T06:00:22-07:002014-04-23T06:00:22-07:00It's gotta be 49ers-Seahawks Week 1, right?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aE3tjR5JLkJL48PUKGuB_UsGLVk=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32016001/180672228.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jonathan Ferrey</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The NFL will announced the 2014 regular season schedule at 5 p.m. PT on Wednesday. We take a look at what this likely means for a potential 49ers-Seahawks Week 1 matchup.</p> <h3><b>Fooch's Update #2: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2014/4/23/5643678/49ers-2014-schedule-dates-games-home-away">49ers schedule has been released!</a></b></h3>
<p><b>Fooch's Update</b>: Or maybe not. Matt Maiocco reporting that he's hearing it's 49ers-Cowboys Week 1. All our schedule updates in <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2014/4/23/5643640/san-francisco-49ers-2014-nfl-schedule-dates-game-times-strength-of-schedule" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>
<p>Tuesday afternoon, the NFL announced they will release the 2014 regular season schedule at 5 p.m. PT today (Wednesday). It still leaves us almost four months from any kind of real football, but it's one more bench mark to get us to the 2014 regular season.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> will likely be looking at the maximum of five prime time games this season. They face certain limitations at Levi's Stadium because of the parking issues, with a potential lack of available parking for Thursday and Monday prime time games. It sounds like parking issue is being resolved, but with some question marks still existing at this juncture, I have to think the NFL would rather not put themselves in a tough situation if there are any delays. Then, they can add back in Thursday and Monday prime time games in 2015.</p>
<p>If that is how the NFL views it in making up the schedule, that means the 49ers only home prime time games would be on Sunday Night Football. Right now, one of those games is likely going to be the Week 2 home opener at Levi's Stadium. There have been no specific reports that the 49ers will host SNF in their opener, but it makes a lot of sense. The NFL will want to show off the newest stadium, as well as the site of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> 50. I suspect that game ends up being against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>, but we'll see later today.</p>
<p>I remain convinced as well that the league will set up 49ers vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> up in Seattle for the Week 1 Thursday Night Football season opener. The Seahawks opener would do strong ratings no matter the opponent, but 49ers-Seahawks could potentially dominate ratings in a big way. Back in February <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2014/2/3/5373014/49ers-seahawks-thursday-night-football-opener-sunday-night-football-more-likely" target="_blank">I wrote about why this matchup would not happen Week 1</a>, but I've realized since then that I was wrong. Part of that incorrect assessment was based on the idea that the 49ers would open Levi's Stadium Week 1. The construction plans had a built-in buffer to Week 2 since they will re-assess everything following the two preseason games.</p>
<p>Last season, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a>-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> season opener on NBC had 25.1 million viewers, which was good for No. 23 among last season's regular season games. The top of the rankings belonged to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> on Thanksgiving. The CBS game drew 31.7 million viewers.</p>
<p>Wikipedia has an entry for the NFL's annual kickoff game, which includes television ratings. Here is a rundown of all the Thursday kickoff openers. The 49ers and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a> played the first Thursday opener, which also happened to be the same season of their epic wild card matchup. Interesting coincidence.</p>
<table border="1" dir="ltr" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="36">
<col width="120">
<col width="91">
<col width="58">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Year</td>
<td>Matchup</td>
<td>Viewers</td>
<td>Network</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2002</td>
<td>49ers-Giants</td>
<td>10.799 million</td>
<td>ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2003</td>
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a>-Washington</td>
<td>19.150 million</td>
<td>ABC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2004</td>
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a>-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a>
</td>
<td>16.879 million</td>
<td>ABC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2005</td>
<td>Raiders-Patriots</td>
<td>18.006 million</td>
<td>ABC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2006</td>
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a>-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>
</td>
<td>19.196 million</td>
<td>NBC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2007</td>
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a>-Colts</td>
<td>17.791 million</td>
<td>NBC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2008</td>
<td>Washington-Giants</td>
<td>13.531 million</td>
<td>NBC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2009</td>
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a>-Steelers</td>
<td>20.909 million</td>
<td>NBC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2010</td>
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>-Saints</td>
<td>27.485 million</td>
<td>NBC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2011</td>
<td>Saints-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a>
</td>
<td>27.179 million</td>
<td>NBC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2012</td>
<td>Cowboys-Giants</td>
<td>23.9 million</td>
<td>NBC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2013</td>
<td>Ravens-Broncos</td>
<td>25.1 million</td>
<td>NBC</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Ratings peaked in 2010 and 2011 with over 27 million viewers. If you put the 49ers and Seahawks on television to start the season, I would bet a lot of money it would exceed any of these numbers, and very well could move past 30 million. The 49ers-Packers opener last season was the No. 2 game of the 2013 season, with 28.5 million viewers.</p>
<p>49ers-Seahawks is currently the hottest rivalry in the NFL from a national perspective, and I don't think it's all that close. There are other good rivalries, but those NFC East rivalries, or Ravens-Steelers, just don't have quite the same national appeal right now. That will change at some point in the future, but for now it's just not the same. 49ers-Seahawks puts butts in the seat, and would draw monster ratings to open the season.</p>
<p>Last season's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfc-championship-game">NFC Championship</a> Game drew 55.9 million viewers, while their weather-delayed Sunday Night Football contest in Week 2 drew 20.5 million viewers to NBC. Given how much has gone down since that Week 2 matchup, I would bet the over on a plus/minus of 30 million viewers. Of course, the NFL actually has to make that matchup first. And as a 49ers fan, I would be lying if I said I did not want to get the Seahawks and a Thursday game out of the way the first week of the season.</p>
<p>As we get ready for the schedule release later today, here's the full list of 49ers opponents for 2014:</p>
<p id="paragraph1"><b>HOME: </b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>, <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>, <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a>, <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a>, <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a>, <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a>, Washington, <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a></p>
<p id="paragraph3"><b>AWAY: </b>Arizona Cardinals, <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>, <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a>, <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a>, <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a>, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a></p>
<p>And here's the 49ers preseason schedule:</p>
<p><u></u></p>
<table width="809" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="255">
<p><b>Preseason Week<u></u><u></u></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="124">
<p><b>Time (PT)<u></u><u></u></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="191">
<p><b>Opponent<u></u><u></u></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="240">
<p align="center"><b>Network<u></u><u></u></b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="255">
<p>Week 1 - August 7th<u></u></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="124">
<p>TBD<u></u><u></u></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="191">
<p>at Baltimore<u></u><u></u></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="240">
<p align="center">KPIX 5<u></u><u></u></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="255">
<p>Week 2 - August 14th-18th<u></u><u></u></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="124">
<p>TBD<u></u><u></u></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="191">
<p>vs. Denver<u></u><u></u></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="240">
<p align="center">NBC/KPIX 5<u></u><u></u></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="255">
<p>Week 3 - August 24th<u></u><u></u></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="124">
<p>1:00 pm<u></u><u></u></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="191">
<p>vs. San Diego<u></u><u></u></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="240">
<p align="center">FOX<u></u><u></u></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="255">
<p>Week 4 - August 28th<u></u><u></u></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="124">
<p>TBD<u></u><u></u></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="191">
<p>at Houston<u></u><u></u></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="240">
<p align="center">KPIX 5</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2014/4/23/5615234/nfl-schedule-release-date-2014-49ers-vs-seahawks-week-1-opener-predictionDavid Fucillo