49ers Playoff Photos: San Francisco Seeding Scenario Breakdown in the 2023 NFL Bracket

What the 49ers have accomplished this season is fascinating. Kyle Shanahan has made his 2022 Mr. Brock Purdy the perfect offensive manager after Trae Lance was injured and missed Game 2 of the season and Jimmy Garoppolo was injured.

The 49ers have a legitimate chance at the NFC’s No. 1 seed as they go 12-4 on the year going into Week 18. Ultimately he could be anywhere between 1st and 3rd, and now he’s 2nd.

The Eagles, who have struggled without Jalen Hurts in recent weeks, are looking to retain the No. 1 seed. The Vikings, on the other hand, are looking to break into second place, but need other things to do so.

Here are different scenarios for the 49ers.

How the 49ers got the #1 seed in the NFC

The 49ers are one game behind the Eagles in the NFC, so their path is simple. They beat the Cardinals and the Eagles lose to the Giants.

The latter may or may not happen depending on how both teams approach the game. Jalen Hurts is reportedly expected to play, and the Eagles will undoubtedly treat it as a high stakes game for him as they try to hold off the Cowboys in this division.

Here are the current NFC standings:

The 49ers hold tiebreakers with other NFC teams.

MORE: NFL Power Rankings: Chiefs, 49ers Overtake Eagles

How the 49ers Get the 2nd Seed in the NFC

A myriad of permutations could keep the 49ers in second place. If they lose and the Vikings lose, they will leave him in second place. The Vikings will face the Bears and the Cowboys will face the Commanders.

Even if the 49ers win, the Eagles will still be in second place if they beat the Giants.

How the 49ers get the 3rd seed in the NFC

There will always be an End of Week 18 scenario. If the 49ers lose and the Vikings win, the Vikings will move them up to his No. 2 no matter what happens in the NFC East.

This is unfortunate for the Shanahan’s Niners, but it’s very possible.

49ers potential playoff matchups.

The Niners’ playoff matchup could progress in a few different ways. Here’s a look at their potential first-round opponents.

• 49ers vs. Seahawks: The 49ers secured the second seed, with the Seahawks beating the Rams and the Lions beating the Packers.
• 49ers vs. Lions: 49ers win second seed, Seahawks lose to Rams, Lions beat Packers.
• 49ers vs. Packers: The 49ers take the second seed, and the Packers beat the Lions.
• 49ers vs. Giants: The 49ers get the 3rd seed.
• 49ers bye: The 49ers take the #1 seed.

There’s a lot on the line at NFC East in San Francisco this week, but the road to number one is at least relatively straightforward and hinges on one other game. If they deal with the Cardinals game, there won’t be much of a scoreboard watching him in Santa Clara.