The NFL Playoffs Picture for the NFC Week 16
By Dean Holden
San Francisco 49ers
Dec 15, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; San Francisco 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) intercepts the ball during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. San Francisco 49ers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Current Record: 10-4
Current NFL Playoffs Position: No. 5 seed, first Wildcard spot
If they win out:
There’s an outside shot the 49ers could dethrone the Seahawks in the NFC West, but it’s way outside. More likely, winning out just secures their wildcard spot.
If they lose out:
There are some crazy scenarios involving teams from the NFC North or East earning a wildcard spot, but those are extremely unlikely. What the 49ers do need to worry about is the hard-charging Arizona Cardinals, who are just waiting for the 49ers or Carolina Panthers to slip up. They close the season against Arizona, so losing out quite possibly means losing their playoff spot.
Teams they’re rooting against:
Seattle, Carolina, Arizona