The 49ers will likely be dwelling for his or her first recreation of the playoffs. All the things past that’s nonetheless in query.
Relying on how the ultimate week of the common season performs out San Francisco may discover itself anyplace from the one to 3 seed within the NFC. This leaves each crew within the NFC playoff image as a possible opponent.
Right here is my energy rating based mostly on how every crew matches up with the 49ers.
8.) New York Giants
New York would be the quantity six seed. Daniel Jones will not be a quarterback who will scare anybody, however he has proven the flexibility to maneuver. Jones has been sacked on 8.92 p.c of his drop backs, worst amongst NFC playoff groups.
The Giants have a stable broad receiver in Darius Slayton and Saquon Barkely has been sturdy this season at working again. There isn’t a one else on the offense that ought to scare the 49ers.
New York’s protection has given up the second most yards per dashing try this season and the 12th most factors per possession.
7.) Seattle Seahawks
The 49ers swept their NFC West rivals within the playoffs. They’re clearly the higher crew, however can they beat the Seahawks thrice in a single season? They couldn’t do it final yr in opposition to the Rams.
6.) Detroit Lions
The Lions are one of many hottest groups within the NFL. After a 1-6 begin to the season, they’ve received seven of their final 9.
Led by Jared Goff, Detroit’s offense has scored the fourth most factors within the league.
Goff has lower down on errors this yr, throwing solely seven on 553 makes an attempt. His offensive line has executed a great job of protecting his uniform clear by permitting the second lowest sack proportion (3.99) within the NFC.
Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift provides the Lions a stable 1-2 punch within the run recreation and Amron St. Brown has over 1,100 yards receiving.
The query for Detroit is protection. They’ve allowed the second most web yards per cross try and third most yards per rush try. On the constructive facet they’ve pressured 20 turnovers and have a plus-five turnover differential.
5.) Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota has been dwelling on the razor’s edge all season with 11 of their 16 video games determined by one possession.
The Vikings protection has allowed the second most factors within the league together with the third highest web yards per cross try. They’re ripe for the selecting in opposition to the 49ers offense.
Kirk Cousins has loads of firepower at his disposal with Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen at receiver, and T.J. Hockenson at tight finish. Dalvin Cook dinner gives a stable working recreation as effectively with 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns.
4.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
San Francisco blew out the Buccaneers at Levi’s Stadium in week 14. Tampa Bay was enjoying with out each of its beginning safeties, Vita Vea, and proper deal with Tristan Wirfs.
Tom Brady has been sacked on solely 2.99% of his drop backs this season. The veteran’s fast launch serving to his offensive line out.
Tampa Bay’s protection is without doubt one of the more durable matchups within the league when wholesome. They’ve allowed the fifth lowest web yards per cross this yr.
3.) Inexperienced Bay Packers
Like Detroit, the Packers are getting scorching on the proper time.
Inexperienced Bay has a robust working recreation in Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, Allen Lazard leads a receiving corps that’s beginning to come round, and Robert Tonyan gives a stable choice at tight finish.
Aaron Rodgers could also be the most effective quarterback within the NFC playoffs along with his skill to make performs from the pocket or on the transfer. As well as, he’s been sacked on solely 5.3% of his drop backs, fourth greatest within the NFC.
The Packers have turned it round on protection as effectively, permitting simply 20 level or much less over their final 4 video games. Led by Jaire Alexander, 17 of Inexperienced Bay’s 24 pressured turnovers have come from interceptions.
2.) Dallas Cowboys
Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott power opponents to give attention to the run. This opens alternatives within the passing recreation for CeeDee Lamb and tight finish Dalton Schultz.
Dak Prescott has struggled with turnovers lately, however his mobility may trigger hassle for the 49ers protection.
Dallas has recorded 51 sacks this season and compelled a league excessive 32 turnovers. They’re second within the league with 28.8 factors scored per recreation whereas permitting solely 19.8.
1.) Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia has every little thing to matchup effectively with the 49ers. Sturdy working recreation. Sturdy broad receivers. Stable tight finish. A protection that will get after the quarterback and forces turnovers.
The Eagles had been 13-1 earlier than shedding Jalen Hurts for a pair weeks attributable to a shoulder harm. If he’s absolutely wholesome and in a position to play the identical means he was previous to the harm be careful.
