The San Francisco 49ers receive unbelievable playoff news in Week 17.

So far, the San Francisco 49ers have had a fantastic 2023 NFL season. They defeated the Washington Commanders today, bringing their record to 12-4. If that wasn’t enough, they got some aid today to secure their postseason spot.

The San Francisco 49ers have clinched the NFC’s top seed.
The San Francisco 49ers clinched the top NFC seed one week early, believe it or not. How did they accomplish this? The Philadelphia Eagles may thank the San Francisco 49ers.

In shocking fashion, the Eagles lost 35-31 at home to the Arizona Cardinals. That means their record falls to 11-5 and they no longer have a chance at leaping the 49ers. San Francisco already received more help last night.

That is because the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Detroit Lions in controversial fashion. That meant the Lions’ record fell to 11-5.

In case you are wondering, the 49ers do have the tiebreaker. They have a better conference record than the Eagles, Lions, and Cowboys. As a result, their one-game lead with one game left in the regular season is good enough to clinch the top seed in the NFC.

Now, the 49ers have the option to rest their starters in the final week of the regular season. At minimum, they will likely rest RB Christian McCaffrey due to a calf injury he dealt with earlier today. The 49ers play the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18, who are fighting for their playoff lives.

As for the Eagles, they are now a lot more vulnerable. They can potentially fall to the fifth seed, as the Cowboys now have a chance to claim the NFC East. All Dallas has to do is win in Week 18 against the Washington Commanders.