The San Francisco 49ers’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams hurt their chances of making the NFC playoffs. Still with a solid shot at a postseason berth, San Francisco faces a crucial four-game stretch to get its season back on track.
With the playoff race likely to come down to the final weeks in a head-to-head battle with the Chicago Bears for a Wild Card spot, we projected the remaining games for both teams to see who’s more likely to make it and who could fall short.
What Are the 49ers Chances To Reach the Playoffs After Week 10?
The 49ers’ current playoff chances sit at 67.3%, according to the PFSN NFL Playoff Meter, but the loss to the Rams caused a 6% drop in their odds. The divisional defeat erased the advantage San Francisco had built by beating each of its NFC West rivals earlier in the season.
With wins by the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions, the 49ers have slipped to eighth place in the NFC and are currently outside the playoff picture. However, San Francisco’s remaining schedule could play in its favor compared to its direct competitors.
For this scenario, let’s assume six teams are strong postseason locks: the Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rams, and Lions. That would leave the seventh and final Wild Card spot up for grabs between San Francisco and Chicago, potentially coming down to the final weeks of the season.
Predicting Remaining 49ers’ Schedule
San Francisco’s next game could be a potential trap. Although the Arizona Cardinals were crushed by the Seahawks last week, this matchup could be tighter, especially given the 49ers’ defensive injuries and the fact that it’s being played in Arizona.
Still, with Brock Purdy likely returning to the lineup, the 49ers should come away with a win and complete a season sweep over the Cardinals. If Ricky Pearsall is also back, the offense could regain its rhythm and look much more dynamic.
what a snag by George Kittle pic.twitter.com/CwmdmncpGo
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) November 10, 2025
The following two games should both be wins for San Francisco: a Monday Night Football matchup at home against the Carolina Panthers and a road game versus the Cleveland Browns, heading into the bye week with a 9-4 record.
After the bye, San Francisco faces a manageable home game against the Tennessee Titans, which we’ll count as another win, followed by a Monday night road game against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16, which we’ll mark as a loss.
Week 17 could be the most important game of the year for the 49ers, hosting the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football. This projection has both teams entering that matchup at 10-5, but with the home-field advantage, Kyle Shanahan’s squad gets the edge.
The regular-season finale comes at home against the Seahawks, where the 49ers are projected to lose to a more complete Seattle team likely fighting for the NFC’s No. 1 seed or the division title. The Bears are also projected to lose their Week 18 matchup against the Lions.
That scenario would have San Francisco finishing the season 11-6, edging out the 10-7 Bears to claim the NFC’s seventh and final playoff spot, behind the 12-5 Lions and the 13-4 Seahawks.
