The San Francisco 49ers climbed the NFC playoff ladder in Week 14—without even stepping on the field. Enjoying their bye week, the 49ers watched a busy Sunday slate shake up the postseason picture in their favor.
One of the most impactful matchups featured the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears. Green Bay's victory knocked Chicago out of the No. 1 seed, dropping the Bears all the way to seventh place in the NFC. The Packers surged from the sixth seed to the No. 2 spot.
The 49ers, previously sitting in the final playoff position, moved up to the sixth seed. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams claimed the NFC's top spot at 10-3 following their win over the Arizona Cardinals.
The Seattle Seahawks also improved to 10-3 after defeating the Atlanta Falcons, creating a tight race atop the NFC West. The 49ers could benefit from any stumble down the stretch by their divisional rivals. Adding to the intrigue, the Rams and Seahawks will clash in a Week 16 showdown.
NFC West standings (after Week 14):
- Los Angeles Rams (10-3)
- Seattle Seahawks (10-3)
- San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
- Arizona Cardinals (3-10)
The Philadelphia Eagles, currently the NFC's No. 3 seed, play the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night. At 8-4, they will remain where they are regardless of the outcome.
If the season ended today, the 49ers would face the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in the Wild-Card round of the playoffs.
NFC playoff picture (after Week 14)
- Los Angeles Rams (10-3)*
- Green Bay Packers (9-3-1)*
- Philadelphia Eagles (8-4, plays Monday night)*
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)*
- Seattle Seahawks (10-3)
- San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
- Chicago Bears (9-4)
* Denotes division leader
The Detroit Lions own an 8-5 record, remaining firmly in the hunt and sitting just outside the top seven.
The 49ers return to action next weekend when they host the Tennessee Titans, followed by matchups against the Indianapolis Colts, Bears, and Seahawks to close out the regular season.