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t 9-4, the San Francisco 49ers are sitting pretty. Despite being decimated by injuries to numerous stars, including Fred Warner, Nick Bosa and Brandon Aiyuk, the 49ers have found ways to win and are right in the mix for an NFC playoff spot. Jumping up to the No. 6 seed during their Week 14 bye, the 49ers control their own destiny and if they are able to win out, it could bode very well for getting a top seed and being able to host some playoff games on their quest for a Super Bowl title.
But the 49ers goal is not just to make the playoffs– it is to win their division. Last winning the NFC West in 2023, the franchise stumbled last season and finished 6-11 (last in the division). But even though the team is in third place right now, a division title is still well within reach. In fact, on Monday Dec. 8, NFL insider Nick Wagoner explained the 49ers’ path to a division title.
How the 49ers Can Win the Division
One game back from the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams, both at 10-3, winning out could put the 49ers in position to claim their third division crown in four years– but that also depends on how the Rams and Seahawks do the rest of the way.
“Obviously, there will be a lot of scenarios for the 49ers and playoffs and seeding,” Wagoner said via an X post. “One thing that is for certain– if you’re SF, you want the Rams to lose a division game specifically (that Week 16 vs. Seattle is best bet) if you’re holding out hopes of winning the NFC West.”
The 49ers face the Seahawks in Week 18 so if they manage to win their next three games, they will be able to overtake the Seahawks with a win. But since the 49ers already faced the Rams twice, beating them in Los Angeles before falling at home in Week 10, they need to hold out hope that the Rams can lose another game or two before the regular season ends. But considering how well they have played this season, particularly quarterback Matthew Stafford, it is hard to bet against the Rams right now.
The 49ers Remaining Schedule
Coming out of the bye week, the 49ers play a very favorably schedule– going on the road only one more time over the next four weeks. But matchup wise, things get tough. Facing the Tennessee Titans in Week 15 and a beat up Indianapolis Colts team in Week 16, the 49ers are expected to be favored in those games and if they win both, it sets them up tremendously for a Week 17 home game against the Chicago Bears— the former No. 1 seed until a loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Then in Week 18, the Seahawks come to town in what could end up being the battle for the No. 1 seed– depending on how the rest of the conference does in that span. It will not be easy, but all things considered, the 49ers are still very much alive in their quest for glory.
NFL Insider Explains 49ers’ Path to NFC West Title