San Francisco’s season is in an ugly state currently, but hope is still there.
The San Francisco 49ers have been in a tough situation over the first 12 weeks of the season, as late-game struggles and overall inconsistencies have led the team to a 5-6 record thus far.
The last loss was the ugliest for San Francisco, as they fell 38-10 to the Green Bay Packers without quarterback Brock Purdy, committing three turnovers, nine penalties, and missing 19 tackles in an undisciplined effort.
Still, with all of the issues, the 49ers stand one game back in the NFC West, as the division-leading Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks both stand at 6-5 ahead of Week 13.
How can the 49ers sneak into the playoffs, given their tough schedule to end the season?
Well, things begin with one of their hardest matchups of the year this weekend, as they hit the road to Orchard Park to face the Buffalo Bills, who are seen as 6.5-point favorites in the matchup.
Assuming they lose that one, San Francisco would stand at 5-7, making every single game a must-win from there on out.
The most important games are the two divisional contests against the Los Angeles Rams and the Arizona Cardinals, which are absolute must-wins if San Francisco is looking to win the NFC West. With how strong the conference is this year, the biggest chance to crack the playoffs would be via the divisional title.
The biggest problem? Arizona, standing at 6-5 with a win already over the 49ers, has one of the easiest schedules the rest of the way. They face the Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Rams, and the 49ers from Weeks 14-18.
Assuming they lose to the Minnesota Vikings this weekend, which is a toss-up, the Cardinals would have to drop two of those games to give San Francisco a chance in the division, as Arizona would end with a 9-8 record and a 3-3 divisional record.
Seattle, on the other hand, has a tougher schedule, facing the Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Vikings, and Rams still over the final weeks of the year.
So, if the 49ers are to win the division, they’ll certainly need help from one of the two teams above, while also pulling off a strong record against some tough opponents on their remaining schedule.
First up for San Francisco is a matchup with the Bills, but there are still also the Rams, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, and Cardinals on the docket. To secure a playoff berth, the 49ers would most likely need to go 10-7 to end the year, avoiding any tiebreakers. But, there are also avenues to go 9-8 and still win the division, as long as they can get some big help from their divisional rivals.
The biggest aspect will be getting players healthy for the stretch run. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is set to have his practice window opened and return to practice on Wednesday. Quarterback Brock Purdy had a light throwing session, which seemed to go well on Monday. Stars Nick Bosa, Trent Williams, and Charvarius Ward all need to come back as well.
San Francisco has the potential to still win a number of big games. But, it’ll take a collective effort and a complete turnaround if they want a chance to make the playoffs in 2024.