The Rams’ win over the Browns in Week 13 took the 49ers’ ability to win the NFC West in Week 14 off the table. However, San Francisco can still punch its ticket to the postseason Sunday.
While this iteration of the 49ers has goals well beyond simply making the playoffs, including trying to track down the No. 1 seed, getting to the postseason is still a necessary box to check on the road to a Super Bowl.
Here are the three ways the 49ers can clinch a playoff spot in Week 14:
Scenario 1
49ers win + Packers loss
This one would have to wait until Monday since Green Bay will be on Monday Night Football. However, the Packers are rolling with three wins in a row including consecutive impressive wins over the Lions and Chiefs.
Scenario 2
49ers win + Vikings loss
This is one where San Francisco could definitely get the help it needs from an old geographic rival. Minnesota will visit the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday after consecutive losses to the Broncos and Bears. Both teams are coming off bye weeks and with the Vikings dealing with quarterback uncertainty it’s definitely not off the table that the Raiders sneak out with a home win that helps the 49ers.
Scenario 3
49ers win + Packers tie + Vikings tie
This would be the single funniest way for a team to punch its playoff ticket.
