With the NFL season finally coming to an end, every result could have serious implications for postseason conditions. That’s the case for the San Francisco 49ers, who regularly end their season by hosting his Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.
The Niners, who already own the NFC West with a 12-4 record, have already secured playoff berths. Not only that, but they’re on his nine-game winning streak, the longest in the league.
A big part of that success is the emergence of rookie Brock Purdy. When veteran Jimmy Garoppolo went down with injury, 2022 Mr. Illerivant stepped up as the starting quarterback. Starting He has Purdy in the lineup, so the team has his perfect 4-0 record.
Playoff berths are secured, but there are still many dangers lurking in San Francisco. With that said, here are the 49ers’ best and worst scenarios in the NFL Wildcard Round.
Best-case scenario: 1st round bye-bye
Although it seemed impossible a few weeks ago, the 49ers have a chance to finish as the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
To do that, San Francisco needs to win their Week 18 matchup against the Cardinals. When The Philadelphia Eagles have to lose to the New York Giants.
Arizona is already out of the playoff race, losing its last six games, including against the 49ers in Week 11 in Mexico City. To make matters worse, the Cardinals will be without his two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray. The quarterback is on injured reserve after tearing his ACL in Week 14.
The Byrds will host the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. They have his 13-3 record, but the Eagles have lost his last two games. A big reason for that was the absence of Jalen Hurts. The MVP contender quarterback could return to the lineup on Sunday. However, it is unclear how well he will be able to play due to his shoulder problems.
Additionally, the Giants would finish 6th in the NFC regardless of the overall league result. That means New York may choose to keep some of its key players, such as Saqwon Barkley, on Sunday.
Still, if San Francisco beats Arizona and Philadelphia loses to New York, the Niners get the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. This is the best-case scenario for the team, allowing him to earn an extra week to prepare and keep players fresh for the divisional rounds.
Other good scenarios: Seahawks, Lions, or Giants
If the Eagles win, the Niners could be either the second or third seed. A first round bye is certainly welcome, but there are some interesting matchups in their favor.
For second place, San Francisco would have to win, the Minnesota Vikings would lose, or both teams would have to tie.
The 49ers, who finished second in the NFC, could face some attractive looking teams in the wild card contest.
To face the Seattle Seahawks, Pete Carroll’s team must beat the already-eliminated Los Angeles Rams and his Detroit Lions must beat or draw the Green Bay Packers. If Seattle and Detroit both lose, San Francisco will also face the Seahawks.
San Francisco needs to beat Detroit and lose to the Seahawks to make the Lions the second seed. The 49ers will still face the Lions in a tie with the Cardinals, and Seattle will also end the regular season in a tie.
Finally, the 49ers could drop to third place and face the Giants. For that to happen, San Francisco would have to lose and Minnesota would have to win or draw. The Niners will also battle New York if the Vikings win in a draw.
Worst-case scenario: Green Bay Packers
Perhaps the worst-case scenario for the 49ers is one of the most likely.
After struggling in the first half of the season, the Green Bay Packers bounced back in the second half. The team is currently on a four-game winning streak, currently 8-8.
The problem with facing the Packers in the wild card round is that San Francisco will soon face Aaron Rodgers. His current MVP has a lot of postseason experience that could hurt the Niners’ chances of winning. Also, Purdy is a rookie, so making his playoff debut against the Green Bay defense might not be ideal.
For that to happen, San Francisco has to be the No. 2 seed and Green Bay must beat the Lions at home.
The Packers have been playing some of their best football this year and are clearly doing well. The Lions have been impressive lately, but it’s hard to imagine Rodgers and his team losing on Sunday.
All things considered, this is the worst-case scenario for the 49ers. It’s a contest between veterans and rookies, plus Green Bay plays the best football in the league.
