Yesterday, we broke down the probabilities of making the playoffs. Today, we’re breaking down something even better: an absolute certainty. The San Francisco 49ers will improve their playoff seeding this weekend. They might even climb to the No. 2 seed.

The 49ers don’t play in Week 14 due to a bye week, but even with their inactivity, they will at least secure the No. 6 seed. Right now, they are the No. 7 seed. And it just gets better from there.

The reason the 49ers are guaranteed to improve is the matchup between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. One of those two has to lose, and either outcome drops that team below the 49ers in the NFC standings. • If the Packers win: Chicago falls behind the 49ers in NFC record. • If the Bears win: Green Bay falls behind the 49ers in win p

See Full Page