Washington Commanders Opponent Preview: San Francisco 49ers

After taking a look at early season matchups against the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants, we dive into the Washington Commanders' week six opponent when they travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers.

2025 Record: 12-5, T-2nd in NFC West, Lost in Divisional Round

Key Players: Christian McCaffrey, Brock Purdy, Trent Williams, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner

Key losses: Jauan Jennings, Dee Winters, Kendrick Bourne, Jordan Elliott, Brian Robinson, Brandon Aiyuk?

Key additions: Mike Evans, Dre Greemlaw, Vederian Lowe, Nate Hobbs, Luke Gifford, Christian Kirk

How they Fared:

If any team suffered more injuries than the Commanders had in 2025, it was the San Francisco 49ers. It started with Brandon Aiyuk out for the season while recovering from a torn ACL last year (and possible other reasons). Quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall missed eight games, while tight end George Kittle missed six. The good news is running back Christian McCaffrey played in every game, led the team in both rushing and receiving, and had over 2000 yards from scrimmage for the third time in his career. The 49er offensive line continued their domination in the trenches in 2025, giving up only 27sacks, tied for the fifth-best in the NFL. The injuries didn’t stop on the offensive side of the ball, as Fred Warner and Nick Bosa combined for nine games played last year. The same games that rookie first-rounder Mykel Williams suited up in. With those three missing significant time, the 49ers finished with the lowest sack total in the league at 20 and were only ahead of the Jets in interceptions with six. Even with the struggles, the team finished tied with the Rams for second place in the division, got the sixth seed in the playoffs, and took down the then-defending Super Bowl Champion Eagles in the Wild Card Round, before getting blown out by the Seahawks, who would go on to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, the following week. 

2026 Expectations: 

Fanduel has the 49ers at the third-best odds in the division, and tied for fourth in the NFC with Philadelphia, to make the playoffs at -154. They have the seventh-best odds to win the Super Bowl. The two main goals for them in 2025 will be to improve their defense and stay healthy to remind everyone that they still matter in the NFC.

What to Watch: 

Washington ranked 29th in both yards allowed per play and points allowed per drive, along with an NFL-high 78.1% down conversation rate in 2025. That will likely look vastly different under Daronte Jones in 2026, but the week six primetime matchup will be a test on all fronts.

For the front seven, how does Odafe Oweh fare against future Hall of Fame -- and former Washington -- offensive tackle Trent Williams? That marks another prime opportunity for the star edge rusher to prove the value of his contract.

Does Tim Settle's value loom large as the Commanders look to limit the explosives allowed against running back Christian McCaffrey?

Can the secondary limit veteran Mike Evans, the newest addition to the Niners' receiver room, along with rookie Deshaun Stribling and tight end George Kittle?

Of course, the game could have proven to be the Brandon Aiyuk bowl, but with all the concern about whether that reunion ultimately comes to fruition, the on-field storylines may pose the bigger question mark.

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