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What must happen for San Francisco 49ers to earn a first-round bye?

By Tommy Jaggi

Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on before the game against the Washington Commanders at Levi's Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on before the game against the Washington Commanders at Levi's Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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The San Francisco 49ers only need two things to go their way this Sunday in order to earn a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

After watching this team struggle early in the season, it’s almost surprising to witness the position they are in right now. The San Francisco 49ers began the season with an underwhelming 3-4 record with cringeworthy losses against teams like the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, and Atlanta Falcons.

Since then, the turnaround has been remarkable as Kyle Shanahan has flipped the script to win 9 straight games. During this span, San Francisco has managed to record a whopping 6 games of 30+ points.

No team is hotter in the league right now. Entering the season finale with a 12-4 record, the 49ers have not only locked up a playoff spot, but they are officially the winners of an otherwise underwhelming NFC West this year. What’s interesting is that they could earn a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs if just two things go their way in Week 18.

49ers must beat the Cardinals

In their first matchup against each other back in Week 11, the 49ers piled it on the Cardinals for a 38-10 blowout victory in Arizona. This time around, the game will be played in San Francisco, and the Cardinals have nothing left to play for outside of positioning in the 2023 NFL Draft. Their front office is well aware that they could wind up with a top-three pick this year.

Even if there was something on the line, Kyle Shanahan isn’t about to let the Cardinals march into his stadium and hand them a loss. The 49ers have the league’s best defense, and Arizona has had one of the most stagnant offenses in the NFL since Week 10. Taking care of business on their end should be a cinch for the 49ers.

Eagles must lose to the Giants

Here comes the hard part. Though only two games need to go San Francisco’s way this week (theirs being the first), an Eagles loss seems unlikely. Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni knows what’s on the line this week, and a win would lock up the number one seed in the NFC for the Eagles.

Since the third Wild Card team was added to the playoffs, the lone first-round bye in the conference has become even more important. Philadelphia is massive two-score favorites over the New York Giants this week, but crazier things have happened. Brian Daboll is a very good coach in his own right, and it wouldn’t be totally shocking if the 9-6-1 Giants upset their division rival.

light. Related Story. 49ers playoff scenarios: Which possible outcome is best?

More than likely, the 49ers will wind up with the number two seed in the NFC this year when the season comes to an end after Week 18. However, a win and an Eagles loss would guarantee them the number-one seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. These games will be going on simultaneously this Sunday, so get your popcorn ready!