The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for a crucial stretch in their quest for the NFC’s top playoff seed. This Sunday, they’ll begin their final push. They’ll take on a reeling Tennessee Titans team that is treading water with a 2-11 record. Coming off a bye week, the 49ers are hungry to go. They hope to build upon their newly invigorated roster and carve out their place in the incredibly tough NFC postseason chase.
The 49ers return to action next Sunday when they travel to battle the AFC’s Indianapolis Colts. The Colts will miss their rookie starting quarterback Daniel Jones — who last Sunday tore his Achilles — a serious developmental loss. This late stage development represents a huge boon to the 49ers. They’re hellbent on doing everything they can to earn the prestigious No. 1 seed in the NFC.
As the playoff race continues to become more competitive, the time has never been more urgent for the 49ers to capitalize. A win over Tennessee would increase their odds of securing the No. 1 seed to a whopping 96.1%. On the other hand, a loss would deal a crushing blow to their hopes, reducing their chances of getting the No. 1 seed to just 80.2%.
The 49ers are showing an 11.5% chance of ending up as the best team in the NFC. They currently trail the Los Angeles Rams who are first with a 44% chance and are barely in front of the Seattle Seahawks at 22.6%. In order to get that coveted top seed, the 49ers need to close the show and win out their final four games. They need either a Rams loss against one of their remaining division rivals or a loss from the Green Bay Packers.
The crew hasn’t been stopped since their Week 5 win against the Los Angeles Rams. Yet they haven’t had a more comfortable run since that cup win. As 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan put it upon returning from the bye week, “It’s the first day of school again. That’s a very good thing, and it turns out statement as much indicative of the excitement and urgency surrounding the team’s final push towards the playoffs.
After the Tennessee game, the 49ers return home for two very strong opponents in a row and including two other teams likely to be in the playoffs this December. Those key matchups may well decide their playoff fate and perhaps help set the table in the NFC.
Upton Stout recognized the need to keep our eyes on the prize during this final stretch. “I feel like last week was probably the only week I really looked ahead,” he said, highlighting the necessity of concentrating on each opponent rather than getting caught up in future matchups.
As they embark on this decisive part of the season, the San Francisco 49ers are determined to make their mark and capitalize on every opportunity. Their performance in these next few games will not only dictate their playoff positioning but test their resilience and teamwork as they strive toward a potential championship run.
Leave a Reply