Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo could return for the playoffs, assuming the San Francisco 49ers make the postseason and win a game or two after that. Of course, if that happens, rookie Brock Purdy must be playing well. What to do?
That's a dilemma worth worrying about if the time comes.
For now, the 8-4 49ers remain positioned to earn the No. 3 seed in the NFC and look to maintain their lead in the conference standings over quarterback Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are the No. 4 seed with a 6-6 record.
The two teams will face off on Sunday. San Francisco will rely on its top-ranked defense to carry the team past the Buccaneers in the Week 14 matchup, increasing its win streak to six games. The last time the 49ers won six straight was in 2019 (eight straight to open the season).
If the season ended today, the 49ers would be preparing to host the New York Giants at Levi's Stadium. San Francisco has won two of its last three matchups against the Giants, including the last meeting between the two teams, a 36-9 victory in 2020.
After the contest against Tampa Bay, the 49ers will travel to Seattle to face the Seahawks, who sit a game behind the Niners in the NFC West.
Below are the current NFC playoff standings.
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-1)
- Minnesota Vikings (10-2)
- San Francisco 49ers (8-4)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-6)
- Dallas Cowboys (9-3)
- New York Giants (7-4-1)
- Seattle Seahawks (7-5)
* Division leaders in bold
Below are the teams that would be on the outside looking in if the season ended today.
- Washington Commanders (7-5-1)
- Detroit Lions (5-7)
- Green Bay Packers (5-8)
- Atlanta Falcons (5-8)
Below are the Wildcard matchups if the season ended today. The Eagles would await the weakest-seeded winner to emerge from the first round of games.
- Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings
- New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers
- Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers