The 2025 regular season is almost over, and Week 16 was a pivotal one for the San Francisco 49ers, who had a lot on the line.
Entering the week, San Francisco was in third in the division and sixth in the conference. They were also still looking to clinch their spot in the postseason.
Thanks to the Seattle Seahawks beating the Los Angeles Rams in overtime on Thursday, the 49ers were in position to move up a spot in the division and conference if they beat the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, which would also secure them a spot in the playoffs.
However, the 49ers also benefitted from the Pittsburgh Steelers beating the Detroit Lions on Sunday, which officially clinched San Francisco’s playoff berth. The 49ers win on Monday night against the Colts moved them to second in NFC West and fifth in the NFC.
Here’s a look at the entire NFC playoff picture after Week 16:
If the season ended today, San Francisco would take on the Carolina Panthers, who they beat 20-9 on “Monday Night Football” earlier in the year. However, if the 49ers win their final two games of the season against the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks, they’d be the No. 1 seed in the NFC and get the first-round bye.
More 49ers: 8 takeaways, observations, standout players from 49ers win vs. Colts
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: NFL playoff picture: 49ers climb to 5th seed in NFC after in Week 16
Reporting by Mike Masala, Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
