Why 49ers clinching No. 2 NFC playoff seed ‘really important’ to Kyle Shanahan
A wild win and Minnesota Vikings loss to the Green Bay Packers now places San Francisco (12-4) in the NFC’s second playoff seed. After the game, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan explained why retaining the No. 2 seed is important in the closing stages.
“I think it’s really important,” Shanahan told reporters after the game. When you get there, position yourself in the best possible way.
“And we won’t know until we come in, but they can tell us and tell the team now that we have the second seed if we can handle the business. I know I’m going to fire them. [the Philadelphia Eagles] If you lose, you may have another chance. ”
The 49ers are currently one of three teams with a chance to secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round playoff bye. The 49ers need to beat the Arizona Cardinals next week to clinch the No. 1 seed, and the Eagles need to lose to the New York Giants.
However, if the Eagles win, the 49ers could clinch the second seed next week with a win or a loss to the Vikings.
Sunday night’s standings are as follows:
1. Eagles (13-3)
2. 49ers (12-4)
3. Viking (12-4)
4. Buccaneers (8-8)
5. Cowboys (12-4)
6. Giants (9-6-1)
7. Seahawks (8-8)
8. Lions (8-8)
9. Packers (8-8)
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If San Francisco remains the No. 2 seed, they will face the No. 7 seed in the first round of the playoffs. Whoever it is, Shanahan and the 49ers are ready.
“Our playoffs started a long time ago, that’s how we see it,” Shanahan said. “And we’re going to keep doing it.”
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