San Francisco, CA

Listing every retired number in San Francisco 49ers franchise history

Published

1 year ago

July 15, 2024

Listing every retired number in San Francisco 49ers franchise history

The San Francisco 49ers have one of the most storied franchises in NFL history. With numerous Hall of Fame players and several all-time greats, it makes sense that they have had many jersey numbers retired.

This article will look at every jersey number that has been retired in franchise history. There are many players we all know of because they are franchise legends who delivered Super Bowls to San Francisco and brought the franchise to prominence.

Then there are some that many fans may not know about.

A franchise and its fans need to care about a team’s history. There is a reason that the 49ers educate their incoming rookies on the franchise’s history every year. It helps players understand they are connected to some of the greatest players in NFL history simply by dint of the jersey they wear. It also provides a reminder that there is a standard of excellence and an expectation of championships among the fanbase.

While the Niners have not won a Super Bowl in 30 years, they have still had incredible players who will surely one day add their number to the list of retired numbers.

But for now, let us take a trip down memory lane and look at the 12 retired numbers in 49ers history.

1. RB Joe Perry #34

Running back Joe Perry is one of two running backs who has had his number retired by the 49ers. Perry was the first Black player on the 49ers. He was a phenomenal player, rushing for over 1,000 yards in both the 1953 and 1954 seasons.

That was back when the season was 12 games, making it even more impressive.

Many fans remember Roger Craig and Frank Gore as great running backs in the franchise, and rightfully so. But fans would do well to remember the great contributions and historic nature of Perry’s career.

2. RB Hugh McElheny #39

Another legendary running back in franchise history is Hugh McElheny who played at the same time as Perry. That is a pretty formidable backfield. Both he and Perry, along with quarterback Y.A. Tittle and fullback John Henry Johnson, were dubbed the “Million Dollar Backfield.”

Perhaps the 49ers can update that moniker with their current backfield of Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, and Kyle Juszczyk as the “Multi-Million Dollar Backfield.”

McElheny was undoubtedly a 49ers legend and should be remembered as such.

Now let’s turn to some defensive legends.

3. CB Jimmy Johnson #37

Legendary cornerback Jimmy Johnson passed away earlier in 2024. His legacy lives on as the best cornerback in 49ers history. He played his entire career in San Francisco and recorded an impressive 47 interceptions in his career, which is second only to Ronnie Lott in franchise history.

Johnson played from 1961 through 1976, so he left just before the team’s championship years began. But that does not make his career less meaningful or impressive, which is why he is a 49ers legend.

4. DT Charlie Krueger #70

Like Johnson, Charlie Krueger spent his entire career with the Niners. He was with the franchise from 1958 through 1973.

His nickname was the “Textbook Tackle” for his impeccable technique and strength. In a franchise that has had a lot of great defensive linemen, Krueger will always have the distinction of being one of the best in franchise history.

Now let’s take a look at a quarterback whose number is retired, although it may not be who you think.

5. QB John Brodie #12

If Tom Brady had ever wound up on the 49ers, he would not have been able to wear his patented #12, thanks to John Brodie. Brodie played for the Niners from 1957 through 1973 and is still second on the team’s franchise passing leaders with 31,548 passing yards.

His 214-224 touchdown-to-interception ratio does not look great by modern standards, but the passing game was more limited in Brodie’s day as the run game was predominant.

Despite that, Brodie still racked up a lot of yardage throughout his career and was a great quarterback for the team.

6. DT Leo Nomellini #73

Leo Nomellini turned in 14 solid seasons with the 49ers from 1950 through 1963. He had 13.5 career sacks as a defensive lineman, although sacks were not recorded as a stat until later in his career. He went to 10 Pro Bowls, showing that he was one of the better defensive linemen of his day, which is why his number is forever etched in franchise history.

7. T Bob St. Clair #79

Offensive tackle Bob St. Clair was born in San Francisco and spent his entire career with the 49ers. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990 and was a five-time Pro Bowler. Many 49ers legends do not have roots in the Bay Area, so it is cool that St. Clair was a San Francisco native and got to play his entire career for his hometown team.

Now let’s turn to a pair of wide receivers.

8. WR Dwight Clark #87

Dwight Clark will always have a place in 49ers history as well as the history of the NFL and American sports at large thanks to his incredible play forever dubbed “The Catch,” in the 1981 NFC Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Clark’s career was shortened by injury, but he still had over 6,000 receiving yards in his career as well as 48 receiving touchdowns. Although Clark sadly passed away in 2018 due to ALS, his legend will forever live on in the hearts of 49ers fans.

9. WR Jerry Rice #80

The greatest wide receiver of all time is Jerry Rice, and one could make a pretty strong case that he is the best player in NFL history. With a truly unfathomable 22,895 receiving yards in his career and 197 touchdowns across 20 seasons, he achieved a level of excellence previously unseen at wide receiver.

He established a great partnership with quarterbacks Joe Montana and eventually Steve Young. Head coach Bill Walsh had to trade up to get him, and Rice did not impress right away as he had an early reputation for dropping passes.

But it did not take him too long to establish himself as a great receiver and he was a huge part of the 1988, 1989, and 1994 championship seasons.

He has remained involved with the 49ers and can be seen regularly at the team’s games. 49ers fans will always be thankful for his excellence in a Niners uniform which is why no one will wear the No. 80 ever again in the team’s history.

10. S Ronnie Lott #42

It is no coincidence that the 49ers dynasty began in 1981, the first season that defensive back Ronnie Lott played as a pro. For a team that needed help in its secondary, he immediately bolstered the defense and turned it into a force.

He has the most interceptions in franchise history with 51 and would have had even more if the 49ers had not traded him. He gave the “finesse” 49ers a hard hitting bruiser on defense who inspired fear in the hearts of opponents. He was one of the hardest-hitting safeties of all time and his toughness was personified by the fact that he had a pinky ginfer partially amputated so he could keep playing in a season.

He is without question one of the best 49ers in history.

11. QB Steve Young #8

At one point the most divisive figure in Bay Area sports, the fact that Young eventually brought home a Super Bowl for the 49ers and the benefit of time has made him one of the most beloved sports figures in the Bay.

He had to live in Montana’s shadow for a long time, but Young eventually was able to get the monkey off his back by winning the 1994 Super Bowl and winning the Super Bowl MVP for his six touchdown passes in a rout of the San Diego Chargers.

Young’s greatness will never be forgotten, but he will always be at least partially in the shadow of #16.

12. QB Joe Montana #16

Perhaps no name is as synonymous with the 49ers as Montana.

He led the Niners to four Super Bowl championships in his career and was one of the most clutch quarterbacks to ever play the game.

There are so many moments that stand out in his 49ers career. “The Catch,” of course. The touchdown pass to John Taylor in the second Super Bowl against the Bengals, the epic comeback against the Eagles, that pass down the sideline to Rice against the Giants.

One could list all of his accomplishments and stats, but they will never capture that feeling that he was the guy back then and that the Niners never felt like they were out of a game when he was behind center. He is the best quarterback in franchise history without question.

Now, let’s take a look at some numbers that may end up being retired by the 49ers.

LB Patrick Willis #52

One of the best linebackers of his generation, Patrick Willis may very well have his number retired. He was just elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and his greatness as a 49er cannot be disputed.

Even though his career was cut short due to injury, while he was on the field he was a ferocious competitior and was the beating heart of the defense on those Harbaugh teams that made three straight deep runs in the postseason.

It is just a matter of time before his number is retired.

RB Frank Gore #21

Probably the greatest running back in franchise history, Gore should be in the Hall of Fame eventually. He was a solid workhorse for years with San Francisco, and all five of his Pro Bowls came as a member of the Niners.

Like Willis, he was a key part of those good years under head coach Jim Harbaugh and there will be many a fan, including Harbaugh himself, who will regret the fact that the Niners did not run the ball with Gore down near the goal line at the end of the Super Bowl against the Baltimore Ravens.

Alas, Gore is still a fantastic 49er, and his number should be retired someday.

DL Nick Bosa #97

It is still very early in his career, but Nick Bosa is already making a pretty strong case to have his number retired someday. He is one of the most feared defensive rushers in the game today, and it is no coincidence that the recent string of 49ers successes occurred in 2019, his first season with the team.

He will have to continue this success for the rest of his 49ers career and it certainly would not hurt if he helped bring home the sixth Super Bowl championship in franchise history.

Careers are anything but linear, but if he can stay healthy and keep playing at this same level for the next five years, then he may be the last 49er to ever wear 97.

So, there you have it. All 12 numbers that have been retired in team history and a few players who could join that illustrious list. The 49ers franchise has a rich and storied history and taking a look at all of these retired numbers certainly affirms that.

San Francisco, CA

SF 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks preview: Race for the NFC’s No. 1 seed

Published

8 hours ago

January 3, 2026

Press Room

SF 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks preview: Race for the NFC’s No. 1 seed

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The last time the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks met in the regular season with the NFC West on the line, an epic battle came down to a single yard.

It was the last game of the 2019 season. Then-Niners linebacker Dre Greenlaw stopped Seahawks tight end Jacob Hollister short of the goal line as time expired, sending San Francisco to a 26-21 win and the NFC West division crown, the NFC’s No. 1 seed, a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason. The 49ers would then go on a postseason run, but lose in Super Bowl LIV against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Six years later, a lot has changed for the 49ers and Seahawks — who square off again Saturday night at Levi’s Stadium (8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN) — but not the stakes.

The Seahawks (13-3) enter the game in first place of the NFC West and on a six-game winning streak. A win or tie would lock them in for top spot in the division and the conference. They have an NFL-best 14-2 road record since 2024 under coach Mike Macdonald.

The 49ers (12-4) are also on a six-game winning streak — and a seventh would pull them even with the Seahawks in overall record. They’d claim the NFC West crown and No. 1 seed by virtue of a 2-0 record against Seattle.

49ers fans, players gearing up for major rivalry game against Seahawks airing on ABC7

Back in Week 1, the Niners went to Seattle and escaped with a win in the closing moments. Since then, these teams have taken decidedly different paths to the same destination.

Seattle has emerged as one of the league’s most complete teams, led by the second-best scoring defense in the NFL. The Niners have been the opposite, carving a path to the postseason on the strength of a high-octane offense that ranks fifth in offensive points per game and first since Week 9.

Add it all up and the expectation on both sides is for another classic that could come down to the final seconds, if not the final yard.

“We stole one up there, but I think they’re going to be ready for this one,” 49ers right tackle Colton McKivitz said. “It’s going to come down to that last couple of plays.”

ESPN’s NFL Nation 49ers reporter Nick Wagoner and Seahawks reporter Brady Henderson break down the matchup with the biggest questions heading into the game, key players and injury concerns for each team.

Can Seattle’s defense get to 49ers QB Brock Purdy?

It’s tempting to ask whether Sam Darnold and Seattle’s offense can finally play a clean game and kick their recent bad habit of slow starts, as they’ve failed to top nine points in the first half in six of their past seven games.

But the unstoppable-force-versus-immovable-object matchup on the other side of the ball is worth watching. No offense has been hotter of late than San Francisco’s (it has scored 40-plus points in each of the past two games), and maybe only one defense — Houston’s — has been better than Seattle’s all season. Macdonald’s unit is allowing the second-fewest points in the NFL at 17.3 per game.

Part of the formula has been relying on their dominant front four — led by 2026 Pro Bowlers Leonard Williams and DeMarcus Lawrence — to get to opposing quarterbacks without having to send an extra rusher, instead keeping one more defender in coverage. The Seahawks rank fifth in pressure rate (35.1%) and 27th in blitz rate (20.4%).

Their 44 sacks are eighth most in the NFL, though they’ve only recorded four over their past four games. That is partly due to how quickly Indianapolis Colts’Philip Rivers and Carolina Panthers’Bryce Young got rid of the ball.

Purdy, on the other hand, has averaged the second-longest time before a throw of any quarterback this season at 3.19 seconds. Williams, Lawrence & Co. will need to take advantage of the opportunities Purdy gives them to get home. If San Francisco has to start its backup left tackle, with 12-time Pro Bowler Trent Williams questionable with a hamstring injury, there should be a few.

Seattle’s key players to watch

QB Sam Darnold
The Seahawks are hoping that Darnold can regain the form he showed over the first two months of the season, when he led the NFL in Total QBR (78.2) through 10 weeks. The past seven have been an adventure. Darnold ranks 27th in Total QBR (37.3) since Week 11, committing 10 turnovers in that span. Which is not to say the Seahawks have been winning entirely in spite of him. Two weeks ago, for instance, he played a leading role in their epic comeback against the Rams, coming up clutch in the fourth quarter and overtime. Last week, he made several big-time throws on third down to help Seattle pull away from Carolina.

Darnold has up to $2.5 million worth of contract incentives that he can reach in this game, including $500,000 apiece for throwing three more touchdown passes and 150 more passing yards.

DB Nick Emmanwori
The rookie second-round pick played all of four snaps in the season opener against San Francisco before suffering an ankle injury that sidelined him for the next three games. Since returning, he has developed into an almost-every-down playmaker, a versatile weapon and one of the leading candidates for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Emmanwori lit up the scouting combine with a 4.38 40-yard dash and a 43-inch vertical jump at 6-3 and 220 pounds. That blend of size and athleticism allows him to play all over the field — sometimes lining up on the line of scrimmage, or across from slot receivers. He’s an X factor that Seattle’s defense didn’t have the first time it faced the 49ers.

Stat to know

Wide receiverJaxon Smith-Njigbais having a historic season for the Seahawks. His 1,709 receiving yards and 113 receptions are franchise single-season records. He is 91 yards shy of becoming the seventh player in NFL history to record 1,800 receiving yards in a season.

Smith-Njigba is a downfield threat, leading the NFL in receptions and yards (683) on passes 20-plus yards downfield this season. His 974 yards on passes thrown outside the numbers this season is 222 more than the next-closest player.

Injury concerns

The Seahawks could be down to their third-string left tackle, undrafted rookie Amari Kight. They ruled out starter Charles Cross and have listed Josh Jones as questionable. Jones has filled in capably for Cross the past two games, but he suffered knee and ankle injuries against Carolina that kept him from practicing Tuesday and Wednesday before he returned Thursday as a limited participant.

The Seahawks’ defense will likely be without safety Coby Bryant, who’s doubtful with a knee injury that also sidelined him last week. The good news there is that Ty Okada has been an unsung hero this season while making nine starts for Julian Love and one last week for Bryant.

Another piece of good news for the Seahawks: Wide receiver and kick returner Rashid Shaheed cleared concussion protocol this week after leaving last week’s game against the Panthers.

Best thing I heard in the Seahawks’ locker room this week:

“We know they’re a good offense and we’re a good defense. Saturday is going to speak for itself. I’m not going to lip-box y’all to death about what we’re going to do or not. I’m just going to get out there … and play Saturday. Let us go, let our defense roll and let our pads do the talking Saturday night.” — defensive tackle Jarran Reed

Last time the Seahawks won the NFC’s No. 1 seed

It has happened three times in franchise history. Not coincidentally, those were the three times the Seahawks made the Super Bowl.

The most recent was in 2014, the year they came a yard away from claiming their second straight Lombardi Trophy. The Seahawks went 12-4 in the regular season before beating Carolina in the divisional round and then Green Bay in overtime in the NFC Championship Game, after they improbably erased a 12-point deficit in the final four minutes.

The Seahawks went into the final weekend of the 2019 season with a chance to claim the No. 1 seed with a win and some help. But by the time they kicked off against the 49ers, it was no longer in play for Seattle. So this will be the first time since 2014 in which the top seed will truly be on the line for the Seahawks in their regular-season finale. — Henderson

Will San Francisco’s defense step up and force turnovers?

Absent star defensive end Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner, the Niners’ defense has struggled mightily down the stretch, particularly when facing more efficient offenses. While Seattle’s defense is the better side of the ball, the offense has been no slouch despite some late-season hiccups.

But the Seahawks also have a penchant for giving the ball away. Seattle has 28 turnovers this season, second most in the NFL with Darnold responsible for a league-high 20 of those.

Those giveaways have become even more common in the past seven games, as Darnold has 10 turnovers in that span. It’s why a hot start that had Darnold — who spent the 2023 season with the 49ers as Purdy’s backup — in the MVP conversation has given way to observers wondering if he can do enough to guide an otherwise well-rounded team on a deep playoff run.

The Niners’ defense, meanwhile, has made its living this season off limiting explosive plays, forcing field goal attempts and coming up with the occasional fourth-down stop or red zone turnover.

Aside from that, though, there hasn’t been a whole lot of resistance from Robert Saleh’s patchwork unit. And taking the ball away is probably second only to pass rush in areas the Niners would like to improve defensively.

San Francisco is tied for 22nd in takeaways this season with 16 and has had none in seven of its 16 games. Coincidentally, it was a late-game forced fumble from Bosa that clinched San Francisco’s Week 1 win against Seattle.

There will be no Bosa to bail the Niners out this time. The numbers suggest Seattle will give someone else a chance to make that key play that could win the game, but it’s still fair to wonder who on the Niners’ defense will be the one to capitalize when that opportunity arises.

49ers’ key players to watch

QB Brock Purdy
There’s a case to be made that Purdy is playing the best ball of his still young career. Since returning from a toe injury in Week 11, Purdy has thrown 16 touchdowns with five interceptions and added three rushing scores. He’s not qualified because of time missed, but if he was, Purdy’s 77.8 QBR would lead the NFL.

Like Darnold, Purdy has had turnover troubles, and Seattle’s defense is a difficult challenge. But if he can take care of the ball, there should be opportunities for another big day.

CB Deommodore Lenoir

Lenoir has not shied away from trash-talking anyone but that’s especially true when it comes to the Seahawks. Lenoir has fully embraced this rivalry and even fired shots at Smith-Njigba, Seattle’s star wideout, in March. He doubled down on that this week, asking to shadow JSN on Saturday night.

“Man-to-man coverage, me and him,” Lenoir said. “That’s what I want.” The Niners are unlikely to grant that request because of how they’d have to change their defense elsewhere but, after sharing his thoughts, Lenoir will be in the crosshairs if and when Seattle targets him.

Stat to know

Running back Christian McCaffreyhas shown what makes him a dual threat in the passing and rushing games again this season. His 17 total touchdowns are tied for third most by a Niner in a season. He is on pace to average 50 rushing yards per game and 50 receiving YPG in a season for the third time in his career.

McCaffrey’s 116.4 career scrimmage YPG is the third most in NFL history (min. 100 games) after Hall of Famers Jim Brown (125.5) and Barry Sanders (118.9).

Against the Seahawks he can further cement himself in history. He needs five receptions to pass LaDainian Tomlinson (624) for the third-most catches by a running back in NFL history.And he needs four receptions to reach 100 for the season and become the first Niner since Terrell Owens in 2002 to hit the century mark.

Injury concerns

The Niners could be without left tackle Trent Williams because of a right hamstring injury. He’s listed as questionable, and though coach Kyle Shanahan said Williams has made “good progress,” Williams said “we’ll see” when asked if he will be available. Austen Pleasants, who fared well against Chicago last week, would make his first NFL start if Williams can’t play.

As for George Kittle, who sat out last week against the Chicago Bears with an ankle injury, he said he “absolutely” expects to play versus the Seahawks, but was officially listed as questionable.

Best thing I heard in the 49ers’ locker room this week:

“We never really thought that ‘Hey, man, we’ve got to go attack the No. 1 seed.’ It was always we’ve got to go take on whoever we’re playing on Sunday and win that game. And so, this is just where we’re at at the end of the year. We’re very grateful for that, to be in this opportunity and situation. But, we can talk all we want. We have to go do it at the end of the day.” — Purdy

Last time the 49ers won the NFC’s No. 1 seed

The 49ers surged to the NFC’s top seed in 2023 when they finished 12-5 and won the NFC West division. Including that year, each of the previous two times the Niners had the No. 1 seed under Shanahan they’ve advanced to the Super Bowl. — Wagoner

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San Francisco, CA

Most Anticipated Winter Restaurant Openings in the Bay Area

Published

6 days ago

December 29, 2025

Press Room

Most Anticipated Winter Restaurant Openings in the Bay Area

However you feel about 2025, that year is ready to sunset and 2026 is waiting in the wings, ready to take center stage. With the new year’s arrival, it’s time to start making plans — lots of ’em — to eat and drink. Afterall, that’s what keeps the year feeling fun and bright. Here’s where Eater SF comes in. We’ve collected some of the most exciting winter restaurant openings on the horizon so you can mark it in your calendar and fire up the group chat when it’s time. Happy eating in 2026.

Merchant Roots’s big move to SoMa gave the tasting menu restaurant a chance to spread its wings, with a space big enough to fit chef Ryan Shelton and his team’s big ambitions. Now the team is moving into new territory with the opening of Bar Orso, a cocktail lounge housed inside the Merchant space with just 12 seats to its name. Befitting the restaurant’s wild themed dinners, the bar is planned to be just as immersive, a “redwood forest dreamscape,” per a press release. There are 15 cocktails created for the bar, folding in elements like fernet made by the team, green tea cotton candy, plus small plates to nosh on, and visitors can stay for an hour or a five-course cocktail and food tasting menu. 1148 Mission Street, San Francisco

Opening: Late January 2026

Flour + Water continues the expansion of its pizza division with the opening of its latest F+W Pizza Shop location. This time, the team is making a big leap across the Bay Bridge, setting up East Bay headquarters in Uptown Oakland on 24th Street. The dough will come from the pizzeria flagship in North Beach, and the new shop will offer the company’s 13-inch pies, gluten-free Sicilian-style squares, and quick slices to-go. There will also be salads, antipasto, and soft serve, plus beer and wine to boot. 269 24th Street, Suite 100, Oakland

Chefs Laura and Sayat Ozyilmaz, the couple behind Presidio gem Dalida, have embarked on their next project, and are just about ready to debut their new restaurant, dubbed Maria Isabel. This time they’re setting up in the Presidio Heights neighborhood, taking over the former Ella’s American Kitchen location on Presidio Avenue. The menu is based on chef Laura Ozyilmaz’s roots in Mexico’s Guerrero and Sinaloa, per a press release, utilizing seasonal California ingredients. 500 Presidio Avenue, San Francisco

Another restaurant is making the leap out of San Francisco, and this time it’s Marina favorite Causwells. But rather than the East Bay, chef Adam Rosenblum and restaurant partner Elmer Mejicanos are traveling down the Peninsula to Menlo Park, which has become a hotbed for new restaurant openings in the last two years. The new space is twice the size of the Marina location, and with it comes Causwells favorites, yes, but Rosenblum and Mejicanos will expand the food and drink menu a bit to match their ambitious new location. Springline, 550 Oak Grove, Menlo Park

Club Deluxe is a storied part of San Francisco’s jazz scene, first opening in 1978 and maintaining a live-music presence that lasted decades. It was with much sadness that the business officially shut down for good in April 2023, but now Club Deluxe is being lovingly resurrected by industry vets Jay Bordeleau and Christian Beaulieu. Renamed the DeLuxe, visitors can expect more live music, from both new and returning artists and bands. A new cocktail menu is also in the works, leaning toward takes on classic drinks. 1511 Haight Street, San Francisco

David Barzelay and Colleen Booth of Lazy Bear and True Laurel are readying their highly anticipated French restaurant JouJou, taking up space in the Design District. The a la carte menu is seafood-centric — “but not exclusively so,” a press release adds — with dishes such as a vichysoisse with caviar and a showy shellfish plateaux. The place also sounds like a stunner, with semi-circle booths in the main dining room, a raw bar with a view of the kitchen, a glass-enclosed patio featuring seating and the main bar, as well as a sunken area called the Rose Room. This is one to look out for. 1 Henry Adams Street, San Francisco

Meyhouse burst onto the Bay Area dining scene in August 2023, moving from pop-up status to full-on restaurant, sharing Turkish culture and cuisine with Palo Alto. Owners Omer Artun and Koray Altinsoy have been on a roll since then, quickly expanding into a second location in Sunnyvale, and even adding live jazz to the Palo Alto branch. Now the duo is set to expand their restaurant to the East Bay, adding a new outpost to City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon, both as a restaurant and jazz venue. Expect the same style of food with California produce and ingredients, just in a new part of the Bay. 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon

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49ers playoff picture: Scenarios, chances for San Francisco to win NFC West

Published

6 days ago

December 28, 2025

Press Room

49ers playoff picture: Scenarios, chances for San Francisco to win NFC West

The San Francisco 49ers have already clinched a spot in the NFC playoffs, but they will be taking aim at a larger goal over the season’s final two weeks.

The 49ers have an outside chance to win the NFC West. They are in a tight, three-horse battle for the divisional crown along with the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams, a fight in which the Seahawks presently hold an edge.

The 49ers will need to beat the Chicago Bears in Week 17 to keep their division title hopes alive and create an exciting battle between themselves and the Seahawks in the season’s final week.

Here’s a breakdown of the 49ers’ playoff picture and how they could potentially emerge as the NFC West winner for the third time in four seasons.

49ers playoff chances

The 49ers clinched a playoff berth in Week 16 thanks to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ win over the Detroit Lions. San Francisco was still able to win its “Monday Night Football” game against the Indianapolis Colts, allowing Kyle Shanahan’s squad to remain in the NFC West race down the stretch of the season.

49ers playoff scenarios

The 49ers will either win the NFC West or earn a wild-card berth. Here’s a look at what it will take for San Francisco to win its division in 2025:

49ers win final two games against Bears and Seahawks

If the 49ers can beat the Bears on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 17, it will set up a battle between San Francisco and Seattle in Week 18, with the winner earning the NFC West title and the NFC’s No. 1 overall seed.

A loss (or tie) against the Bears would eliminate the 49ers from the NFC West battle and relegate them to being either the No. 5 or No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff race.

NFC West standings

The 49ers are currently in second place in the NFC West standings. Below is a look at the pecking order within the division:

Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
San Francisco 49ers (11-4)
Los Angeles Rams (11-4)
Arizona Cardinals (3-13)

The Seahawks have already won their Week 17 game against the Carolina Panthers. That put Mike Macdonald’s squad a game-and-a-half ahead of the 49ers and Rams, who are playing on “Sunday Night Football” and “Monday Night Football” this week respectively.

The 49ers hold tiebreaker advantages over the Seahawks and Rams. San Francisco beat Seattle head-to-head in Week 1 and will play the Seahawks again in Week 18 with a potential division title on the line.

Meanwhile, San Francisco’s 4-1 divisional record is better than Los Angeles’ mark of 3-2. That will give the 49ers a slight edge over the Rams as they jockey for positioning behind the Seahawks.

49ers remaining schedule

The 49ers have one of the toughest remaining schedules league-wide, as both of their remaining games are against playoff teams. Below is a look at their full schedule:

Week 17: vs. Chicago Bears (11-4)
Week 18: vs. Seattle Seahawks (13-3)

Seahawks remaining schedule

The Seahawks just have one game left on their schedule after winning their Week 17 game against the Panthers. Below is a look at their remaining matchup:

Week 18: at San Francisco 49ers (11-4)

Rams remaining schedule

The Rams have the easiest remaining schedule of the bunch, as their final two opponents have combined for just nine wins. Here’s a look at Los Angeles’ remaining schedule:

Week 17: at Atlanta Falcons (6-9)
Week 18: vs. Arizona Cardinals (3-13)