49ers Look To Build Positive Momentum Against Dolphins

The San Francisco 49ers opened their season with an impressive win over the Rams in Australia, and now they return home with a chance to build off that early momentum.

Brian Peacock, host of the Locked On 49ers podcast, joined Matt & Kayla on Sactown Sports to look back at the opener and ahead to Sunday’s matchup with the Miami Dolphins at Levi’s Stadium. On paper, San Francisco is easily the more talented roster.

“This is what looks like on paper to be a varsity versus JV matchup in Week 2,” Peacock said.

Miami is still trying to find its footing with a lot of new faces this season, while the 49ers are coming off a performance that reminded everyone that they deserve to be mentioned among the top of the league.

“They’re a scary football team, and they belong in that Super Bowl contender conversation,” Peacock said.

San Francisco has had extra rest before its home opener, with their Australia season opener taking place on a Thursday. Due to that extensive travel, Peacock pointed to fatigue or a slow start as one of the few ways it could end up being a competitive matchup with Miami.

“Absolutely put up points and put up points early and get the scoreboard in your favor,” Peacock said.

Dolphins running back De’Von Achane is the player San Francisco needs to contain most. If Miami can establish the run and keep its offense comfortable, things could get messy for San Francisco. If they can slow him down, Peacock expects the 49ers’ talent advantage to eventually take over.

Focusing more on themselves, the conversation shifted to San Francisco’s offensive production. Their split running back room is one of the biggest differences, with rookie Kaelon Black giving head coach Kyle Shanahan another option alongside Christian McCaffrey.

“Seeing the two-headed monster that Kyle Shanahan unleashed in Week One,” Peacock said, “I think that was my biggest takeaway.”

On the other side of the ball, Nick Bosa’s return and the addition of Osa Odighizuwa stood out, while Fred Warner once again made his case for being the best lineback in the NFL. The 49ers defense didn’t create many turnovers last season, but they should have a chance to force a few on Sunday.

Week 2 also marks the start of an important stretch for San Francisco, with three straight games at Levi’s Stadium before traveling to Seattle in Week 5. Capitalizing on that schedule could be important before a road-heavy backend of 2026.

“Banking some of these wins is massive,” Peacock said.

After setting the tone against the Rams in Australia, the 49ers now have a chance to come home, handle a rebuilding Dolphins team and start the season with two consecutive wins.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• 49ers WR De’Zhaun Stribling Out 10 Weeks After Surgery
• Kevin John believes NFC West is ‘completely up for grabs’
• 49ers Dominates In Australia, Defeat Rams 27-7 in Week 1
• Biderman: Rams’ Australia strategy could favor 49ers in Week 1
• Brock Purdy on his journey from Mr. Irrelevant to 49ers QB1

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers 2026 Schedule

• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, October 11th – @ Seattle Seahawks – 1:25 pm PT
• Monday, October 19th – vs. Washington Commanders – 5:15 pm PT

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