The NFL has unveiled the Week 16 playoff scenarios, revealing the potential path for the San Francisco 49ers to secure the NFC's top seed, ensuring a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
The first step is obvious—the 49ers must handle business at Levi's Stadium on Christmas night by defeating the current leaders of the AFC playoff standings, the Baltimore Ravens. That, however, will be no easy task.
"Just the way they run their organization with [head coach] John [Harbaugh] and the group of coaches they have there, the style that they play to, you always know what you're going to get from their team," 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said this week. "We haven't played them in a little bit, but I know that hasn't changed. You always see them on tape, you always see their numbers, and they still have the same quarterback who will always be as big of an issue as there is."
Should the 49ers improve their record to 12-3, they will require significant assistance to clinch the top seed in Week 16. The scenario involves a San Francisco victory coupled with losses by the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and Detroit Lions. Notably, the Eagles and Cowboys are both coming off defeats in Week 15.
Luckily, the 49ers will know precisely where they stand heading into their Monday night matchup. All three other teams play ahead of them, with Dallas and Detroit in action on Sunday and Philadelphia competing on Monday afternoon. The Minnesota Vikings will host the Lions, the Miami Dolphins will host the Cowboys, and the Eagles will host the New York Giants.
The Cowboys and Eagles have already secured playoff berths but are fighting for the NFC East crown. The Lions can join them with a victory or tie against the Vikings or a loss or tie by the Los Angeles Rams or Seattle Seahawks.
Below is the current playoff seed order in the NFC, with division leaders highlighted.
- San Francisco 49ers (11-3)
- Dallas Cowboys (10-4)
- Detroit Lions (10-4)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
- Philadelphia Eagles (10-4)
- Minnesota Vikings (7-7)
- Los Angeles Rams (7-7)