Week 14 is the 49ers' Best Chance at Earning the No. 1 Playoff Seed

The 49ers still have time left in the season to earn the No. 1 NFC playoff seed, but they will not get a better chance to do so than in Week 14.

Destroying the Eagles last week was significant for the 49ers for multiple reasons.

But the main reason for its significance is that they bridged the gap for the No. 1 NFC playoff seed. The 49ers are now only one game back of the Eagles who are the top seed in the conference. 

In order to achieve the top seed, the 49ers will need to win out and have the Eagles lose one more game. That will put both teams tied with the same record with the 49ers winning that tiebreaker since they have the head-to-head win. However, the chances of the Eagles losing again after the 49ers handed them one aren't looking too hot. Philadelphia has to play the Giants twice, the Cowboys, Seahawks, and Cardinals. 

It's tough to imagine them losing more than one game during the final five game stretch of the regular season. That is why Week 14 is the 49ers' best chance at earning the No. 1 playoff seed. For starters, they will need to beat the Seahawks again just two weeks removed from their last outing with them. It shouldn't be too difficult for them to handle Seattle so long as the 49ers are able to flip the page from their emotional week. I'd like to think that the 49ers have that win in the bag. 

That means all eyes will be on Sunday Night Football when the Eagles play the Cowboys. There is no better team on the Eagles' remaining schedule that can hand them a loss. Dallas is perfectly fit for that since they have three extra days of rest and are currently surging. For once, 49ers fans will need to root for the Cowboys or risk having to miss out on the pivotal first-round bye of the playoffs. 

I think the Cowboys get it done this week. The Eagles have to feel gassed and beat up by now having faced three straight elite opponents in the Chiefs, Bills, and 49ers.Now they have to quickly regroup to face the Cowboys on the road who gave them a run for their money when they were at home. 

Week 14 is the prime opportunity for the 49ers to get the one-seed. They face an opponent who they should beat, and the Eagles are yet again in a battle against a team with momentum. Should the 49ers end up with the top seed when the week is said and done, then I believe that will only fuel their momentum to make winning out a much easier task.