49ers have huge opportunity in NFC playoff picture after Week 10 win

The San Francisco 49ers got back in the win column in Week 10 as they crushed the Jacksonville Jaguars to claim a victory that gives them a potentially huge opportunity in Week 11. Having lost three in a row prior to their bye, the Niners returned to their form of the first five weeks of […]

Nicholas McGee

Nov 13, 2023 6:57 AM EST

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Chase Young (92), left, and tight end George Kittle (85) run off the field while celebrating the win after the game of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-3. — Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

The San Francisco 49ers got back in the win column in Week 10 as they crushed the Jacksonville Jaguars to claim a victory that gives them a potentially huge opportunity in Week 11.

Having lost three in a row prior to their bye, the Niners returned to their form of the first five weeks of the season by swatting aside the AFC South leaders 34-3.

Away from their blowout win, not everything went right for the 49ers, but it's a triumph that gives them a chance to pile the pressure on the Philadelphia Eagles in the race for the number one seed in the NFC.

Here's how the NFC playoff picture stands after Week 10.

NFC Playoff Picture

Playoff Picture Observations

The Seahawks' dramatic late win over the Washington Commanders means the 49ers still only lead the NFC West by virtue of their superior record within the division.

However, with a favorable home matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11, the 49ers have a clear chance to not only put separation between themselves and Seattle but also gain ground on the Eagles.

The Seahawks travel to Los Angeles to face the Rams in Week 11 and are favored by 2.5 points. However, the Rams have won nine of their 14 matchups with the Seahawks since Sean McVay was hired as head coach in 2017, including the season opener this year. Los Angeles is said to be optimistic starting quarterback Matthew Stafford will return to face Seattle.

An upset is far from out of the question and, with the Eagles visiting the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football, the 49ers could end Week 11 a game up on Seattle in the division and only a game behind Philadelphia in the battle for the one seed. The Chiefs are 4-0 against Philadelphia since former Eagles coach Andy Reid was hired as head coach.

They are unlikely to get any help in leapfrogging the Detroit Lions for the two seed, though. Detroit hosts the Chicago Bears on Sunday following their shootout win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Still, after righting the ship in style, the 49ers can look ahead to this week's home game knowing they can put themselves in striking distance of an Eagles team they face in a blockbuster NFC Championship Game rematch in Week 13.