NFC Playoff Picture: Why the 49ers Are Watching Rams-Seahawks Just as Closely as Their Own Game
SANTA CLARA - The 49ers’ road to a deep January run might not be paved in red and gold just yet, but it could get a whole lot smoother depending on what happens tonight in Seattle. That’s where the Seahawks (11-3) host the Rams (11-3) in a heavyweight NFC West clash that could shift the entire playoff landscape - and directly impact San Francisco’s shot at the conference’s top seed.
For the 49ers, who sit at 10-4 heading into Monday night’s game in Indianapolis, the stakes are clear: a Seahawks win tonight opens up a potential fast lane to the NFC’s No. 1 seed. A Rams victory, on the other hand, puts Los Angeles in the driver’s seat with full control of their postseason destiny.
Either way, the 49ers are in the thick of it - and Levi’s Stadium could be hosting a lot more than just the Super Bowl this season.
Why Tonight Matters
Let’s break it down. If Seattle defends home turf and knocks off the Rams, the 49ers could be looking at a clearer path to the top seed in the NFC. That would mean a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs - a massive edge for a team that’s already 4-1 in NFC West play and has two final regular-season games at home.
But if the Rams pull off their third straight win in Seattle, they’ll seize control of the NFC West and the No. 1 seed conversation. That’s something they haven’t done since moving back to L.A. in 2016. So yes, the Bay Area’s familiar “Beat L.A.” rallying cry is echoing a little louder tonight - even if it’s coming from couches and watch parties instead of the stands.
The 49ers’ Playoff Scenarios
San Francisco can punch its playoff ticket this weekend, and there are three ways it can happen:
- Win on Monday: A victory over the Colts (8-6), who’ve lost four straight and are still trying to find rhythm after Philip Rivers came out of retirement, would do the trick.
- Get Help from Pittsburgh: If the Lions (8-6) fall to the Steelers (8-6) on Sunday, the 49ers clinch before they even take the field. Pittsburgh, led by Cal alum Aaron Rodgers, has won two straight - and considering Rodgers’ 0-4 playoff record against the Niners, San Francisco fans wouldn’t mind one more favor from him.
- Both Teams Tie: Yes, it’s a long shot - but if both the Lions and 49ers tie this weekend, San Francisco still gets in.
Stranger things have happened. Just ask the Packers and Cowboys, who tied earlier this season and left the entire NFC playoff picture hanging in limbo.
What’s Left on the Schedule
The 49ers wrap up their regular season with two home games at Levi’s Stadium, where they’ve been strong all year. First up is a Sunday night showdown against the Bears (10-4) on Dec. 28, followed by a Week 18 rematch with the Seahawks. That finale could carry massive implications - for the division, for seeding, and maybe even for the NFC’s top spot.
It’s been a season of resilience for San Francisco. After opening the year with a win in Seattle and grabbing an overtime victory in L.A. a few weeks later, the 49ers looked like contenders early.
Then came the injuries - big ones, to big names. But this team never blinked.
They kept stacking wins, and now they’re on the cusp of their fifth playoff appearance in seven seasons.
Where Things Stand Now
According to NFL NextGen Stats, the 49ers have a 98% chance of making the playoffs. A win Monday - combined with no tie between the Rams and Seahawks - could even vault them into the No. 5 seed.
On the flip side, the Colts’ playoff hopes are fading fast. They’re sitting eighth in the AFC, trailing both the Jaguars (10-4) and Texans (9-5) in the AFC South, and their postseason odds have dropped to 15%.
As for the rest of the NFC, here’s how the division leaders stack up:
- Rams (11-3)
- Bears (10-4)
- Eagles (9-5)
- Buccaneers (7-7)
And the top contenders behind them:
- Seahawks (11-3)
- 49ers (10-4)
- Packers (9-4-1)
- Lions (8-6)
- Panthers (7-7)
- Cowboys (6-7-1)
In terms of Super Bowl odds, the 49ers are sitting at +2000 to win it all - not bad for a team that’s battled through adversity all year. The Rams are the current favorites at +350, with the Seahawks not far behind at +700.
Final Word
George Kittle said it best after last Sunday’s 34-27 win over Tennessee: “I want to play games in January and the only way to do that is to beat every single team.” That mindset has carried the 49ers through a rollercoaster season - and it’s what makes them one of the most dangerous teams heading into the final stretch.
So while all eyes in the Bay Area will be on Monday night’s game in Indianapolis, don’t be surprised if just as many are glued to tonight’s action in Seattle. The 49ers’ playoff path might just start there.