How the San Francisco 49ers could clinch the NFC’s one seed in Week 17
Dec 28, 2023, 4:36 PM
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 25: Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers talks to the defense on the sideline during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Levi's Stadium on December 25, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. The Ravens defeated the 49ers 33-19. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
Despite complicating the manner with last week’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the San Francisco 49ers can secure the one-seed in the NFC by the end of Week 17 in the NFL.
With that would come a highly coveted first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason — aside from the Super Bowl, which will be played in Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Earning a bye in the opening round and watching potential future opponents duke it out from home is incredibly advantageous. Last season, the first-seeds in the NFC and AFC met in the Super Bowl: The Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.
That is a rarity, however. For example, in the year prior, the then sixth-seeded San Francisco eliminated the first-seeded Green Bay Packers in the divisional round. On the other end of the bracket, the Tennesee Titans led the charge but fell to the Cincinnati Bengals in the divisional round that same postseason.
Still, the point stands. There is tremendous value in securing home-field advantage and a bye in the first round, and the 49ers have made it no secret they are hoping to earn those honors.
The two teams still in contention alongside San Francisco are the Eagles and Detroit Lions, with all three teams posting an 11-4 record.
Therefore, the Niners need to take care of business by defeating the Commanders and hoping that Detroit and Philadelphia fall to their counterparts. The Eagles face off against the 3-12 Arizona Cardinals, while Detroit plays on the road Saturday night against the 10-5 Dallas Cowboys.
It’s not out of the realm of possibility but largely out of the hands of the San Francisco 49ers.
Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule
- Sunday, Dec. 31st @ Washington Commanders – 10:00 a.m. PST
- Sunday, Jan. 7th vs. Los Angeles Rams – TBD
- NFL Playoffs (TBD)
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