Published Nov 18, 2025 • 15 hrs ago
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The above videos are auto-populated by an affiliate.
Last week, the San Francisco 49ers were on the outside looking in at the NFC playoff picture after a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Rams. But with Brock Purdy returning from injury and delivering a strong performance, San Francisco bounced back with a decisive win over the Arizona Cardinals—another key NFC West opponent.
Although the 49ers remain third in the division at 7–4, they climbed back into postseason contention. If the season ended today, San Francisco would hold the No. 7 seed in the NFC. They benefited from the Philadelphia Eagles defeating the Detroit Lions, who slipped from the No. 3 seed to No. 8, just behind the 49ers.
NFC West standings (after Week 11):
Los Angeles Rams (8-2)
Seattle Seahawks (7-3)
San Francisco 49ers (7-4)
Arizona Cardinals (3-7)
Next up, the 49ers will host the Carolina Panthers at Levi’s Stadium on Monday night before traveling to face the Cleveland Browns ahead of their bye week. With the NFC West tightening and teams like the Lions fighting to re-enter the playoff field, San Francisco can’t afford to overlook anyone. Even the Panthers, now 6–5 after a win over the Atlanta Falcons, remain firmly in the postseason hunt.
If the NFL season ended today, the Rams would host the 49ers in a Wild Card Round showdown—setting up a third meeting between the rivals this season. The two teams have split their matchups so far.
NFC playoff picture (after Week 11)
Philadelphia Eagles (8-2)*
Los Angeles Rams (8-2)*
Chicago Bears (7-3)*
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4)*
Seattle Seahawks (7-3)
Green Bay Packers (6-3-1)
San Francisco 49ers (7-4)
* Denotes division leader
Nobody’s perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article? Report it.
Comments
Do not use the comments to notify us of errors in the article. Editors may not see it. Instead, report errors here.
Read Next
Playoff picture: 49ers take a hit after clostly loss to Rams
Playoff picture: 49ers take a hit after clostly loss to Rams
The San Francisco 49ers suffered another major setback on Sunday, falling 42-26 to the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium. It marked their fourth loss in the past seven games — and their first against an NFC West rival this season.
A win would have strengthened the 49ers’…
49ers in Week 12 power rankings: Experts react to Purdy’s return and statement win
49ers in Week 12 power rankings: Experts react to Purdy’s return and statement win
The San Francisco 49ers bounced back from their loss to the Los Angeles Rams with a decisive 41–22 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 11. It marked the return of quarterback Brock Purdy, who delivered an efficient performance after missing time with a turf toe injury,…
49ers eye late-season surge after dominant win over Cardinals
49ers eye late-season surge after dominant win over Cardinals
Every game matters from here on out for the San Francisco 49ers, who improved to 7-4 after Sunday’s decisive 41-22 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The 49ers now turn their attention to a Monday Night Football showdown against the Carolina Panthers before facing the Cleveland…
Kyle Shanahan reveals key 49ers injury updates after win over Cardinals
Kyle Shanahan reveals key 49ers injury updates after win over Cardinals
When San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke at the podium after last week’s game, he had no injuries to report—a rare moment for one of the NFL’s most frequently banged-up teams. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case after Sunday’s 41-22 victory over the Arizona…