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The 49ers’ Week 11 showdown with the Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium was massive for the home team. Arizona entered at 3-6-1, firmly out of the NFC playoff race, but San Francisco desperately needed the win.
Had they lost, they would’ve dropped from the top seed in the NFC to the No. 5 seed, with the idle Seattle Seahawks leapfrogging them for the top spot in the NFC West. They pulled out a 36-26 win though, and kept themselves a full game ahead of the three teams immediately behind them in the playoff hunt.
Here’s what the NFC playoff picture looks like following Sunday’s action:
1. 49ers (9-1)
2. Packers (8-2)
3. Saints (8-2)
4. Cowboys (6-4)
5. Seahawks (8-2)
6. Vikings (8-3)
Barring a dramatic turn, these are likely the six teams that’ll be playing in December, but the order could change. Dallas is also just a game up on the 5-5 Eagles in the NFC East, so that No. 4 seed could get a shake up too.
What matters most for the 49ers though was their come-from-behind victory Sunday afternoon. A loss would’ve put them in a very difficult spot at 8-2, with the No. 5 seed, and going into a stretch where they face the Packers, Ravens and Saints in consecutive weeks. Having the full game of cushion gives them an opportunity to create separation over these next three weeks. It also allows them to stumble against one of the top teams without completely sinking their season.
Sunday’s win wasn’t easy for San Francisco, but it was huge in their chase for a playoff spot and first-round bye.