The San Francisco 49ers have seen a significant boost in their playoff aspirations following the Seattle Seahawks’ dramatic 38-37 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Rams on March 15, 2024. A game-winning two-point conversion pass from Sam Darnold to Eric Saubert not only secured the win for Seattle but also opened a potential path for the 49ers to clinch the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
With the NFC West standings showing the Seahawks at 12-3, the Rams at 11-4, and the 49ers at 10-4, the 49ers now have a chance to leapfrog both teams by winning their final three games. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan led the 49ers to the Super Bowl in both 2019 and 2023 as the top seed, and a repeat performance could be on the horizon.
The stakes are high as the 49ers prepare for their upcoming match against the Indianapolis Colts, who hold an 8-6 record. The final game of the regular season, scheduled at Levi’s Stadium against the Seahawks, could ultimately determine the NFC’s top seed. Former Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman emphasized the significance of the impending matchup, stating, “If they handle business and the Seahawks handle business, that game in Santa Clara at Levi’s Stadium will be the game of the year.”
Seattle’s recent victory has positioned them as a frontrunner for the top seed, with NFL’s NextGen Stats giving the Seahawks a 52% chance of securing that coveted position. Meanwhile, the Rams’ probability has dropped to 21% following their loss, as they look to finish the regular season against the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals.
The 49ers currently occupy the NFC’s No. 6 seed, trailing the Rams and sitting ahead of the Green Bay Packers, who have a record of 9-4-1. A victory against the Colts would set the stage for a crucial clash against the NFC North-leading Chicago Bears on December 28, before the decisive encounter with the Seahawks.
Despite the excitement surrounding the playoff race, tight end George Kittle pointed out the team’s focus on immediate challenges: “The whole team is more just focused on, ‘Hey, how do we beat the Colts? And then whatever happens after that happens after that.’”
Darnold, who was once a backup for the 49ers, played a pivotal role in Seattle’s win, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Saubert, who has made a limited impact this season, came through in the clutch, catching the decisive two-point conversion. Following the game, Seattle coach Mike Macdonald presented Saubert with a ceremonial game ball, which he accepted with heartfelt gratitude.
As the 49ers and their fans witness the unfolding events, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir expressed the team’s outlook prior to the Seahawks-Rams matchup, saying, “Today we’re rooting for the Seahawks. So, go Seahawks.” His sentiment encapsulated the 49ers’ collective hope for a Rams loss, which has now materialized.
With the playoffs approaching, the 49ers are eager to reclaim a top seed, which has historically offered a significant advantage. In their eight Super Bowl appearances, they have been the No. 1 seed in all but two instances, winning the NFC Championship in those seasons.
As the NFL season winds down, the upcoming games promise to deliver high-stakes drama, with the 49ers eyeing a return to the Super Bowl on February 8, 2024. The path to the playoffs is clearer, but the journey ahead remains challenging. Fans of the 49ers are hopeful that their team can capitalize on the latest developments and secure their place in the postseason.
