There are four games remaining in the regular season, and the 49ers have a remote chance to clinch a spot in the NFC playoffs with this week's action.But the 49ers will need six outcomes to go their way.The 49ers can clinch a playoff spot with either six-step scenario:--A 49ers victory over the Miami Dolphins, and . . . Dallas Cowboys loss (at Cincinnati), Minnesota Vikings loss (vs. Chicago), Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss (vs. Philadelphia), Washington Redskins loss (vs. Baltimore) and a St. Louis Rams loss or tie (at Buffalo).--The 49ers victory . . . and losses by Dallas, Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Washington and a Seattle Seahawks loss or tie vs. Arizona.The 49ers (8-3-1) hold a 1 12-game lead in the NFC West standings over the Seahawks. The teams meet Sunday, Dec. 23 in Seattle.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons can wrap up homefield advantage at the start of the NFC playoffs with a victory at Carolina, a 49ers loss and losses or ties by the Chicago Bears (at Minnesota) and Green Bay Packers (vs. Detroit).