There are two weeks left in the 2021 NFL regular season and the San Francisco 49ers (8-7) are in the thick of the playoff hunt.

As it stands currently, the 49ers occupy the sixth seed in the NFC and control their own fate for the playoffs. If they win their last two games—the Week 17 matchup with the Houston Texans (4-11) this Sunday in Santa Clara, and the Week 18 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams (11-4) down in Los Angeles—they will secure the sixth seed regardless of the results for other teams.


However, there are a couple of scenarios that could occur this Sunday that would clinch a playoff berth for the 49ers.

How the 49ers Can Clinch a Playoff Spot on Sunday


According to NFL Communications, the following scenarios would result in the 49ers clinching a playoff berth on Sunday.

  1. A 49ers win over the Houston Texans, and a New Orleans Saints (7-8) loss or tie to the Carolina Panthers (5-10).
  2. A 49ers tie with the Texans, along with a Minnesota Vikings (7-8) loss or tie, a New Orleans loss, and an Atlanta Falcons loss or tie (7-8)

The Vikings travel to face the Green Bay Packers (12-3) for Sunday Night Football, and the Falcons travel to face the Buffalo Bills (9-6) on Sunday.

The 49ers and Saints both kickoff as part of the afternoon slate on Sunday.

Niner fans were rooting #FinsUp Monday night, and now it's time to root #KeepPounding on Sunday.

Written By:

Brian Renick


A full-time educator, lifelong Niner fan, and Co-Host of the 49erswebzone No Huddle Podcast on the Audacy Network.
All articles by Brian Renick
@brenick77
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