The San Francisco 49ers are entering the final stretch of the season with new energy and growing confidence. After a very late bye week, the team not only feels rested — their playoff chances also improved without them even playing. Now, the idea of a home Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium no longer seems impossible.
A Well-Timed Bye Week Boosts 49ers’ Playoff Hopes
The 49ers currently hold a 9-4 record and have moved up to the No. 6 spot in the NFC. Their playoff probability has climbed to 90%, according to NFL.com.
This is especially impressive considering the challenges they faced earlier in the season — losing stars like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, dealing with an injured defense, and playing without quarterback Brock Purdy for several weeks.
Easy Remaining Schedule Helps Their Playoff Push
The 49ers’ schedule has been favorable, and it gets even better from here. Their final four games include:
• Week 1 After Bye: Tennessee Titans
The Titans are tied for the worst record in the league. Shanahan’s teams have also been excellent after the bye, going 5-1 in that situation over the last six seasons.
• Monday Night in Indianapolis
The Colts’ situation has changed dramatically after quarterback Daniel Jones’ season-ending injury. The team recently turned to 44-year-old Philip Rivers, who has not played in five years.
• Final Two Games at Home
- Chicago Bears — fighting for a playoff spot
- Seattle Seahawks — battling for top position in the division
If all goes perfectly, the Week 18 matchup against Seattle could even decide the NFC West title.
Division Title Still Possible — But Not Likely
Oddsmakers give the 49ers a 12% chance of winning the division. While not impossible, the more realistic outcome is starting the playoffs on the road.
But even that road looks less intimidating now. If the playoffs began today, the 49ers would face the Philadelphia Eagles, a team that has struggled recently — including a disastrous loss to the Chargers where Jalen Hurts had five turnovers.
The 49ers also have experience winning tough playoff games in Chicago, Green Bay, and Detroit. And with their momentum, few teams want to face the Niners in January.
Kyle Shanahan’s Best Coaching Season Yet
The biggest reason for the 49ers’ resilience is head coach Kyle Shanahan. Despite injuries, roster changes, and early-season doubts, Shanahan has delivered one of the best coaching jobs of his career.
Why Shanahan Deserves Coach of the Year Consideration
- Rebuilt the defense with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh
- Kept the team competitive without Brock Purdy for weeks
- Maintained locker room chemistry through Brandon Aiyuk’s situation
- Guided the team through major injuries to star players
- Executed strong game plans with limited personnel
Despite all this, Shanahan is unlikely to win Coach of the Year. That honor will probably go to Mike Vrabel, who has revitalized the Patriots — a team with an even easier schedule than the 49ers.
The 49ers’ Incredible 2025 Comeback Story
At the start of the season, even Shanahan suggested that a true Super Bowl run felt unlikely. But now, the team finds itself in a much stronger position than anyone predicted — and they may be peaking at the perfect time.
Conclusion
The 2025 49ers have shocked the league by overcoming massive injuries, rebuilding their identity, and climbing back into playoff contention. Their steady progress, combined with a favorable schedule and Kyle Shanahan’s elite coaching, has turned a once-unthinkable dream into a real possibility:
A Super Bowl at home in Levi’s Stadium.
As long as the 49ers keep winning and stay healthy, the rest of the NFC should be very nervous — because this team is dangerous, confident, and rising at exactly the right moment.
