The San Francisco 49ers (10-4) have officially punched their ticket to the playoffs.
San Francisco clinched a spot in the NFC postseason field on Sunday after the Detroit Lions (8-7) fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6), securing the berth with three games remaining in the regular season.
The 49ers return to action on Monday Night Football, traveling to Lucas Oil Stadium to face the Indianapolis Colts as they look to build momentum heading into January.
49ers could finish No. 1 or No 7 seed
Currently slotted as the No. 6 seed in the NFC, the 49ers remain firmly in the mix near the top of the conference. Final postseason positioning will be decided over the season’s final stretch. The Seattle Seahawks (12-3) lead the NFC West after a Thursday night win over the Los Angeles Rams (11-4).
Here’s a look at the NFC playoff standings entering Monday night:
- Seattle Seahawks (12-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-4)
- Philadelphia Eagles (10-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-7)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-4)
- San Francisco 49ers (10-4)
- Green Bay Packers (9-5-1)
Despite clinching, San Francisco isn’t easing up. The 49ers can still claim the NFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round bye by winning their final three games against the Colts, Bears and Seahawks.
San Francisco enters Week 16 riding the momentum of a 37-24 win over the Tennessee Titans. Quarterback Brock Purdy was sharp, completing 23 of 30 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns.
Running back Christian McCaffrey added 73 rushing yards and a touchdown on 22 carries and continues to close in on a rare milestone — 1000 yards rushing and receiving. He currently has 922 rushing yards and 820 receiving yards with 14 touchdowns on the season.