"SANTA CLARA - The 49ers' path to and through the NFC playoffs could be dictated by tonight's matchup in Seattle, where the Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams for the NFC West lead. A Seahawks (11-3) win in that home finale could create a desirable lane to the NFC's No. 1 seed for the 49ers, who will take a 10-4 record into Monday night's game at Indianapolis (8-6)."
"Currently slotted as the No. 6 seed, the 49ers can clinch a playoff spot this weekend three ways: 1. By handing the Colts their fifth straight loss - and second since quarterback Philip Rivers unretired. 2. By back-dooring into the playoffs even before Monday's kickoff, if the Detroit Lions (8-6) lose at home Sunday to the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6)."
The Seahawks-Rams matchup in Seattle will determine the NFC West lead and could shape the 49ers' route to the NFC's top seed. The 49ers enter Monday night's game at Indianapolis at 10-4, then face Chicago on Dec. 28 before finishing NFC West play with a home finale against Seattle at Levi's Stadium. A Rams win in Seattle would put Los Angeles in control of the No. 1 seed, a position they have not held since 2016. The Rams have clinched a playoff berth but cannot clinch the division until Week 17. San Francisco, currently the No. 6 seed, can clinch a playoff spot by beating Indianapolis, by a Lions loss to Pittsburgh, or by an unlikely tie scenario involving both the Lions and the 49ers. George Kittle stated the team must beat every opponent to reach January.
Read at The Mercury News
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]