"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 will determine the NFC West lead and influence the 49ers' route to the NFC's top seed. The 49ers are 10-4 and travel to Indianapolis next, then face Chicago Dec. 28 before returning home for a regular-season finale against Seattle at Levi's Stadium, the Super Bowl LX site. The Rams, also 11-3, can clinch the division with a win in Seattle and have already secured a playoff berth. San Francisco, currently the No. 6 seed, can clinch a playoff spot by beating the Colts, by the Lions losing to Pittsburgh, or by a Lions-49ers tie. Tight end George Kittle emphasized that the team must beat every opponent to earn January games.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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