The San Francisco 49ers couldn't have asked for a better Week 16.
First, with the Seattle Seahawks knocking off the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, the Niners took control of the entire NFC, as winning out not only gives San Francisco its 23rd division title but also the No. 1 seed in the conference.
On Sunday, the 49ers officially locked up their playoff spot when the Pittsburgh Steelers took down the Detroit Lions. And on Monday, they earned the first of the three wins they need down the stretch with a blistering 48-27 victory over the Indianapolis Colts behind a historic performance from Brock Purdy.
So, yeah, it was a good week.
With Week 16 now officially a thing of the past, here's a look at the NFC playoff picture as we flip the page to Week 17. (* --Clinched Playoff Berth,** --Clinched Division)
- Seattle Seahawks (12-3*, 1st NFC West)
- Chicago Bears (11-4*, 1st NFC North)
- Philadelphia Eagles (10-5**, 1st NFC East)
- Carolina Panthers (8-7, 1st NFC South)
- San Francisco 49ers (11-4*, 2nd NFC West)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-4*, 3rd NFC West)
- Green Bay Packers (9-5-1, 2nd NFC North)
- Detroit Lions (8-7, 3rd NFC North)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8, 2nd NFC South)
As mentioned, with two wins to close the season, which would come against the Chicago Bears on Sunday and then the Seahawks in Week 18, the 49ers would win the NFC West and earn the No. 1 seed. But those are two tough matchups, so there's obviously the possibility that San Francisco could lose both.
As such, the Niners will still want to be paying attention to the happenings around the NFC over the final two weeks. So, with that in mind, let's have a quick look at the contests they'll be focusing on in Week 17.
Baltimore Ravens at Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers caught a break this past Sunday with the Lions' loss to the Steelers, as all they need now to clinch a playoff spot is one win of their own or one Detroit defeat over the final two weeks. The latter could come as soon as Christmas Day, as the Lions are set to take on the Minnesota Vikings.
The 49ers, of course, can help the Packers this week by beating the Bears, as Green Bay is still alive in the NFC North race. But even if the Packers don't win the division, they can still catch the Niners in the wild-card race. So, a Green Bay loss to Baltimore here wouldn't be the worst thing in the world for San Francisco.
Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers
There's no mystery to this one, as San Francisco will obviously be pulling for the Panthers. Yet again, it's not a necessity for the Seahawks to lose as long as the Niners take care of their own business. But just in case that doesn't happen, Seattle dropping a game would be beneficial.
Philadelphia Eagles at Buffalo Bills
As the 49ers could end up battling the NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles for seeding if things get weird and all the NFC West teams lose this week, it serves San Francisco best if the Bills get a win here.
Los Angeles Rams at Atlanta Falcons
It goes without saying, but this is another obvious call, as the 49ers will be rooting for the Falcons to upset the Rams just in case things go sideways against Chicago.