The San Francisco 49ers secured a thrilling 42-38 victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 17, boosting their standing as they eye the NFC West title and top seed. National outlets have taken notice, placing the team in the top five amid a resilient season marked by injuries. With one game left against the Seattle Seahawks, the 49ers' potent offense has reignited playoff hopes.
The San Francisco 49ers kept their playoff aspirations alive with a hard-fought 42-38 win over the Chicago Bears at Levi's Stadium in Week 17. This victory, under the lights, highlighted the team's resilience despite significant injuries to key players throughout the season.
Entering Week 18, the 49ers find themselves ranked highly across major outlets. NFL Network places them at No. 5, with lead draft writer Eric Edholm praising the squad's toughness: "The team that many wrote off because of injuries now is one win away from clinching a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. That's a testament to what Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch have built: a tough-minded team with explosive offensive potential."
ESPN ranks San Francisco No. 4, where reporter Nick Wagoner argues head coach Kyle Shanahan deserves NFL Coach of the Year honors. "Shanahan has nearly won the award twice -- finishing second in 2019 and 2022 -- but this is his best work yet," Wagoner wrote. He credits Shanahan for navigating a roster reset and injuries to position the team one win from the NFC's No. 1 seed, with the offense performing at its peak down the stretch.
CBS Sports also slots the 49ers at No. 5. Senior writer Pete Prisco noted quarterback Brock Purdy's hot streak: "Brock Purdy is on a tear right now as they try to lock up the NFC's top seed. He has been special the past two weeks." Fellow reporter Ralph Vacchiano called it a "heavyweight victory," emphasizing the offense's fire and growing Super Bowl realism. Senior reporter Frank Schwab acknowledged defensive struggles—ranked 26th in DVOA, allowing 440 yards and 38 points—but highlighted the hottest offense in the NFL as a potential playoff edge.
A win over the Seahawks on Saturday night would secure the division and home-field advantage, setting up a favorable postseason path in Santa Clara.
