The San Francisco 49ers were eliminated from the NFC playoffs before their matchup with Miami, following pivotal victories by Washington and the Los Angeles Rams.
The defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers experienced a major blow to their postseason aspirations even before taking the field against the Miami Dolphins. The victories by the Washington Commanders and the Los Angeles Rams were decisive in sealing their fate.
The Niners became the 16th team in NFL history to miss the playoffs after competing in the previous Super Bowl, having previously lost 25-22 to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58 on February 11, 2024. This marks the second time in recent years that the Niners, after clinching the NFC title in the 2019 season, were unable to follow through with a playoff run the following year.
Washington’s triumph over the Philadelphia Eagles effectively removed the 49ers from wild-card contention. Meanwhile, the Rams’ win against the New York Jets secured the NFC West title for Los Angeles, further diminishing San Francisco’s playoff prospects. The Rams had already established a tiebreaker over the 49ers due to their season sweep, leaving San Francisco with insurmountable odds.
Alongside the 49ers, other teams that faced playoff elimination included the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints. The Cowboys’ hopes were dashed by the Commanders’ success, while the Saints were removed from contention following the Atlanta Falcons’ victory over the New York Giants. Similarly, the Arizona Cardinals’ playoff aspirations were ended with their defeat at the hands of the Carolina Panthers.
In contrast, the Miami Dolphins required a win against the 49ers to maintain their playoff hopes, showcasing the varied fortunes of teams vying for postseason success.
The NFL saw significant playoff shifts as early victories on Sunday altered the postseason landscape, eliminating several teams including the 49ers.
Source: News4jax
