How the 49ers can Clinch the No. 1 NFC Playoff Seed in Week 16

Clinching the No. 1 seed for the NFC playoffs is possible for the 49ers in Week 16, but they need help to do so.

Monday night had to have been a joyous moment for the San Francisco 49ers.

They were able to gain a stronger foothold on the NFC's No. 1 seed thanks to their division rival Seattle Seahawks defeating the Philadelphia Eagles. The 49ers no longer need to win out. A loss can now be afforded for them if it occurs, which should alleviate a bit of pressure.

However, a loss this upcoming week wouldn't be advisable. The 49ers can clinch the No. 1 NFC playoff seed in Week 16. What needs to occur first and foremost are losses from three teams since the 49ers will play in the last game in Week 16. The three teams that need to lose are the Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and the Detroit Lions. Should this happen, then it will be on the 49ers to control their destiny when they face the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football.

Facing them will certainly be tough as opposed to their last couple of opponents. Lamar Jackson is always a handful and the Ravens field a strong defense, but it should be an outing that the 49ers emerge as the victors. Doing so will end up making Christmas amazing for them as they celebrate clinching the No. 1 NFC playoff seed. I'm sure the 49ers will also be thanking the teams that defeated the Eagles, Cowboys, and Lions to give them that opportunity in the first place.

Unfortunately, I do not feel confident in all of those three teams losing this week. Philadelphia is looking fraudulent of late, but even then, I doubt they lose to the New York Giants. Now, the Giants have been decent in their last few games, so maybe they do give the Eagles a run for their money. Still, for them to beat the Eagles on the road when the Eagles are desperate seems unlikely.

As for the Cowboys, they could lose since they face the Miami Dolphins on the road. Perhaps Miami can take advantage of the Cowboys' weaknesses they displayed last week. Lastly, the Lions face the Minnesota Vikings who boast an underrated defense. This could be a loss here as well, but the Vikings are trotting out Nick Mullens as the starter. That might be enough to make it obvious that the Lions will win.

At least the 49ers have a chance this week to clinch the No. 1 seed.