The San Francisco 49ers are striving to secure a playoff spot amid a challenging season filled with injuries. In 2024, the team struggled with only six wins, the lowest since 2020. Aiming for a better season in 2025, injuries have again impacted their campaign, with significant players like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa sidelined for the year.
Quarterback Brock Purdy also faced challenges, missing a large part of the season due to a toe injury and showing inconsistency when on the field. Despite these setbacks, the 49ers remain competitive for a postseason berth due to their strong defense and efficient offense.
Defensive Resurgence
San Francisco’s defense has significantly improved, jumping from 29th in points allowed the previous year to 11th. This enhancement is notable, especially with key players injured. Running back Christian McCaffrey has emerged as a vital player on offense, maintaining stability despite injuries to receivers Jauan Jennings, George Kittle, Ricky Pearsall, and Brandon Aiyuk.
As the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year, McCaffrey leads the team in both rushing and receiving, on track to exceed 1,000 yards in both categories for the second time in his career. This contribution has been essential as the 49ers navigate their injury woes.
Playoff Outlook for the 49ers
After a win against the Cleveland Browns, the 49ers have a 92% chance of making the playoffs, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. They currently occupy the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff scenario, tied with the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers in wins but trailing due to having one more loss. The late bye week in Week 14 adds to the challenge.
Upcoming Schedule
Facing one of the toughest schedules in the league, the 49ers entered the season with the easiest strength of schedule based on past records. Still, they now contend with the 12th-hardest remaining slate. Their upcoming matchups are crucial for their playoff ambitions.
NFC West Standings
Currently, the 49ers sit third in the NFC West, which boasts two elite teams in the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams. Both of these rivals are performing well, but the 49ers have secured wins against both, keeping them in contention for the division title with six weeks left in the regular season.
| Team | Record | NFC West Record |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | 9-3 | 2-1 |
| Seattle Seahawks | 8-3 | 2-2 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 8-4 | 4-1 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 3-9 | 0-4 |
NFC Playoff Picture
The race for playoff spots in the NFC is tight. The reigning No. 1 seed, the Detroit Lions, currently find themselves on the outside looking in after a recent loss. Below is the current NFC playoff picture:
| Team | Record | Division Position |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bears | 9-3 | NFC North Leaders |
| Los Angeles Rams | 9-3 | NFC West Leaders |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 8-4 | NFC East Leaders |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7-5 | NFC South Leaders |
| Seattle Seahawks | 8-3 | Wild Card No. 1 |
| Green Bay Packers | 8-3-1 | Wild Card No. 2 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 9-4 | Wild Card No. 3 |
| In the hunt: Detroit Lions (7-5), Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1), Carolina Panthers (7-6), Minnesota Vikings (4-7), Atlanta Falcons (4-8), Washington Commanders (3-8) | ||
| Eliminated: Arizona Cardinals (3-9), New Orleans Saints (2-10), New York Giants (2-10) | ||
