Getty The San Francisco 49ers will host the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Divisional Playoofs Saturday. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The biggest game of the season for both the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks came down to the last game played in Week 17, in the final game played in the NFL’s 100th season — a fitting conclusion to the season for both teams.
The two NFC West rivals duked it out in a very close game dominated by defense in the first half, with the 49ers shutting Seattle out at halftime, 13-0. The Seahawks made it a game in the third quarter, with a Russell Wilson touchdown pass to Tyler Lockett making it 13-7 with under 6:00 remaining. The 49ers answered immediately, with a Raheem Mostert touchdown. They missed the two-point conversion, and the score sat at 19-7 at the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with NBC commentator Al Michaels exclaiming: “This game’s turning into a slug fest!” as both teams struggled to get the upper hand. It came down to the final minute, with the 49ers finally prevailing, 26-21, in what turned out to be one of the most thrilling games of the year. San Francisco ended the game with an impressive goal line stance, showing once again that football truly is a game of inches.
What will happen for the 49ers playoff-wise after their huge victory today? Here’s a breakdown of their playoff outlook after their big Week 17 win.
49ers Playoff Outlook After Win vs Seahawks
With their victory Sunday night, the 49ers are now the NFC West champions, and they clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC, getting a first-round bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Green Bay Packers now have the #2 seed, and will also secure a first-round bye next week.
The Niners will have next weekend off before hosting the winner of the Eagles – Seahawks Wild Card game that will take place next week. With a loss to the San Francisco, Seattle is now the 5th seed in the NFC, and they are heading to Philadelphia to face the 4th seeded Eagles. The other Wild Card game that is now set for next week will be the #3 seed New Orleans Saints hosting the #6 Minnesota Vikings. The Packers will host the winner of the Saints – Vikings game in two weeks.
Updated NFC Playoff Picture After Week 17 Games
There were just two spots secured in the NFC playoff picture until the winner of the Seahawks-49ers game decided the rest. They are all now set. The 49ers will be the No. 1 seed in the NFC, while the Green Bay Packers are the #2 seed.
The New Orleans Saints now have the #3 slot, while the Philadelphia Eagles are the 4th seed. Seattle will end the season as the 5th seed in the conference, while the Vikings round things out with the #6 seed in the NFC.
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49ers Playoff Schedule: Who & When Does San Francisco Play?