The 49ers’ spot as the NFC’s top team is no longer in question after they toppled the Packers 37-8 in Week 12. The win allowed them to create separation from Green Bay, and stay a game ahead of the Seahawks and Saints after their wins Sunday.
Here’s what the NFC playoff picture looks like after Sunday’s action:
1. 49ers (10-1)
2. Saints (9-2)
3. Packers (8-3)
4. Cowboys (6-5)
5. Seahawks (9-2)
6. Vikings (8-3)
The Rams are the No. 7 seed at 6-4, but given the level of play in the top six seeds, it’s hard to see them climbing back in. They face the Ravens on Monday Night Football, and a loss could effectively end their season.
San Francisco’s win Sunday over Green Bay was enormous because a loss would’ve knocked the 49ers to the No. 5 seed. Instead, they pounded the Packers and showed why they own the best record in the NFC. While the 49ers’ schedule has been relatively light, they’re dominating teams that’re going to finish below them in the standings. Not to mention their lone loss came in the final seconds of overtime to the Seahawks.
The 49ers are as dominant as their record and plus-169 point differential indicate, and that was on full display Sunday night at Levi’s Stadium.
The race in the conference for a first-round bye and home-field advantage is going to be fascinating. The Packers and Vikings play again in Week 16. The 49ers and Saints play in Week 14, and then San Francisco faces Seattle in the final week of the season.
We may already have the six playoff teams in the NFC, but we’re far from having the order settled with five weeks to go.