NFL playoff scenarios: Week 15 provides 49ers with chance to claim wildcard berth

The NFL emailed out the latest playoff clinching scenarios for Week 15, and the 49ers have their first opportunity to clinch a playoff spot. They will need help from other teams, but the opportunities are officially at hand. According to the NFL, the 49ers will clinch a playoff spot with one of the following formulas:

49ers win + Cardinals loss + Cowboys loss

OR

49ers win + Cardinals loss + Eagles loss/tie

The Cowboys/Eagles part of the equation is impacted by the fact that the Eagles and Cowboys play each other. That guarantees one of them a loss, or both of them a tie.

In the battle for a playoff spot, here is the final three weeks of the schedule for these four teams plus the Panthers. The Panthers and 49ers are even, which means the 49ers have a legitimate chance at climbing ahead of them in the wildcard race. I included the Saints because they have yet to clinch a playoff spot, and their final three games aren't exactly walks in the park. I think at the very least they beat the Bucs, but you never know how the season will end.

Other pertinent playoff scenarios include the Seahawks. Seattle can clinch the NFC West and a first round bye with a win and a 49ers loss. Seattle can clinch home field through the NFC playoffs with a win and losses by the 49ers and Saints.

More from Niners Nation

Follow @NinersNation Follow @SBNationNFL

• Which Buccaneers player would you add to the 49ers?
• Donte Whitner taunting penalty seems bizarre
• Michael Thomas to sign with Miami Dolphins, per source
• Tarell Brown injury update: 4-6 week timeline discussed
• 49ers vs. Buccaneers odds: San Francisco opens up as 5-point favorites