Do you believe the 49ers have what it takes to go undefeated the rest of the way?
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The 49ers have a 6-7 record. How slim are their chances of qualifying for the playoffs? Impossible? No. Improbable? Yes. There is a world where the 49ers win out and don’t make the playoffs. Unfortunately, the team has backed itself into a position where it needs help from others.
The question is: Can the 49ers run the table?
Unfortunately, while winning out is the best-case scenario, it may not be enough to snag a playoff spot. But let’s look at the remaining schedule, the shape of each opponent, and the Niners’ chances of knocking them off.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are coming off a high-scoring affair with Buffalo. Despite Josh Allen’s six-touchdown performance, Los Angeles held off the Bills for a huge win over the MVP candidate. At 7-6, the Rams are primed for a run down the stretch with Puka Nacua back in the lineup.
The first matchup with the 49ers was without Nacua and Kupp, but the 49ers were missing George Kittle and Deebo Samuel. Los Angeles won the Week 3 matchup, but the 49ers kicked away a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.
This is a must-win for the 49ers, as they have only one division win in 2024. Thursday is a bounce-back spot for the team and Deebo Samuel.
Prediction: 49ers win
Miami Dolphins
A meeting with old friend Mike McDaniel and his Dolphins has more parallels than expected in 2024. Miami is in desperation mode and needs every win it can get. Tua Tagovailoa has been excellent since returning to the lineup, and the offense resembles the explosive offense of 2023. De’Von Achane, Jonnu Smith, and Jaylen Waddle have been hot of late, with Tyreek Hill getting back to form.
A trip to the East Coast for the 49ers will be a challenge, but the weather will not. Miami presents a challenge for the 49ers defense. The return of Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga will boost the defense. Hopefully, Nick Bosa returns as well.
Prediction: 49ers win
Detroit Lions
As soon as the schedule was released, the NFC Championship rematch with the Lions was circled. The hottest team in the NFL will look to exercise some demons at Levi’s Stadium. Despite the number of injuries, the Lions continue to roll.
It took everything the 49ers had to clinch a Super Bowl berth. This time around, the offense is missing Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey. It’s hard to imagine this version of San Francisco knocking off the Lions. Crazier things have happened, but Detroit is rolling, and you can bet Dan Campbell and his team want to make a statement and run the score up.
Prediction: 49ers lose
Arizona Cardinals
Stop me if you’ve heard this one. Arizona and Kyler Murray jump out to a hot start and stumble in December. We can’t even make Kliff Kingsbury jokes this time. The Cardinals defeated San Francisco at Levi’s, but the 49ers blew another double-digit lead. That version of the team is long gone.
The 49ers are playing for pride and possibly a playoff spot in Week 18. With reinforcements and wanting to prove a point, the 49ers will be looking to exact some revenge.
Prediction: 49ers win
If these predictions hold, the 49ers will finish at 9-8. The NFC West will have to stumble collectively for the 49ers to win the division. A 9-8 record likely will leave the 49ers on the outside looking in. 10-7 increases those chances, but it’s not guaranteed.
What are your thoughts? Can the 49ers run the table? Will it be enough for a playoff berth?