There are four games remaining in the regular season, and the 49ers have a remote chance to clinch a spot in the NFC playoffs with this week's action.
But the 49ers will need six outcomes to go their way.
The 49ers can clinch a playoff spot with either six-step scenario:
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--A 49ers victory over the Miami Dolphins, and . . . Dallas Cowboys loss (at Cincinnati), Minnesota Vikings loss (vs. Chicago), Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss (vs. Philadelphia), Washington Redskins loss (vs. Baltimore) and a St. Louis Rams loss or tie (at Buffalo).
--The 49ers victory . . . and losses by Dallas, Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Washington and a Seattle Seahawks loss or tie vs. Arizona.
The 49ers (8-3-1) hold a 1 1/2-game lead in the NFC West standings over the Seahawks. The teams meet Sunday, Dec. 23 in Seattle.
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San Francisco 49ers
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons can wrap up homefield advantage at the start of the NFC playoffs with a victory at Carolina, a 49ers loss and losses or ties by the Chicago Bears (at Minnesota) and Green Bay Packers (vs. Detroit).