Top 5 takeaways from 49ers win vs. Packers in Week 12

No. 3: The 49ers have eliminated a rival for the conference

Normally, a 10-1 record would be a fairly comfortable place to be. Even if the team had a rival for the top seed, they still would be fairly comfortable with getting a bye week in the playoffs.

Not so for San Francisco.

The Saints, Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings and Packers are all within two games, with the 49ers still having to play the Saints and Seahawks later in the season.

However, with the Packers falling to the Niners and a divisional matchup with the Vikings to come, the 49ers have effectively eliminated at least one from the running.

Probably both, given the Saints and Seahawks aren’t likely to give up their spots just behind San Francisco regardless.

It’s a small thing, but still significant. The 49ers can at least cross one rival off the list for their conference lead.