The San Francisco 49ers enter Week 16 with a huge pep in their step thanks to the Seattle Seahawks, of all teams. With their TNF win over the Los Angeles Rams, the 49ers now control their own destiny for the NFC West and the NFC's number 1 seed.
They've yet to play their Week 16 matchup, and are already in good shape. With their Monday Night Football bout against the Indianapolis Colts and 44-year-old Philip Rivers, the 49ers might get some more help before their game this week.
Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers can send the 49ers to the playoffs this weekend, before the 49ers play their Week 16 game. As Mike Garafolo of NFL Network highlights, if Rodgers and the Steelers win, the 49ers are in.
How Aaron Rodgers can clinch a playoff berth for 49ers
Garafolo notes the 49ers' playoff scenarios, which depict three ways the 49ers can punch their ticket to the playoffs this season.
A win over the Colts on Monday night could do it, and even if they lose or tie, there's only one other matchup that needs to go their way.
Sunday afternoon, the Steelers, led by Rodgers, face the Detroit Lions and Jared Goff. With the Lions at a dangerous 8-6 record, they're at risk of missing the playoffs entirely.
A loss to the Steelers would put a bit of playoff football in jeopardy, and also officially clinch the 49ers a playoff spot.
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If Rodgers can beat the Lions in Week 16, over 24 hours before the 49ers play their Week 16 game, then San Francisco would have a spot in the playoffs.
The 49ers could enter their Week 16 matchup against the Colts in a significantly better spot than when this week's slate of games began on Thursday. And it would all be thanks to Aaron Rodgers and the Seattle Seahawks.
Not only do the 49ers have a chance of the NFC's number one seed, but they also could be officially in the playoffs before playing their 15th game of the year.
They're 1-for-2 so far, and a Rodgers win over the Lions would gift the 49ers the best possible set-up for their Monday Night Football matchup against the Colts.
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