49ers playoff picture: Analyzing run home with Vikings, Eagles

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The 49ers are assured of the No. 3 seed in the NFL playoffs at worst and are chasing the Vikings for No. 2. Could the Eagles be chased down, too?

With Week 15 in the books, the San Francisco 49ers are beginning to see a much clearer picture in the run home as it pertains to the NFL playoffs.

With the NFC West safely under lock and key in the Bay Area and the NFC South in absolutely dire straits, the Niners can be assured, at worst, they can’t be any lower than the No. 3 seed come playoff time.

The 49ers also temporarily moved up into the No. 2 seed, too. But unfortunately, the Minnesota Vikings literally had an all-time comeback in defeating the Indianapolis Colts to hold onto the spot.

For now.

But an interesting snag has hit the equation. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and MVP candidate Jalen Hurts has injured his throwing shoulder and will miss some time. The Eagles won’t be in any rush to bring Hurts back, needing him fit and healthy for the playoffs.

This brings an interesting situation about, however, as the 49ers (and the Vikings) are still able to take the No. 1 seed away if the Eagles slide. In such a hypothetical situation for the 49ers, they would have to win out, the Eagles would have to lose out and the Vikings would have to lose at least one game.

But how does the run home work for all three teams in this situation? Let’s take a look at each.