For the San Francisco 49ers, the question isn’t if they’re going to win the NFC West, it’s how early in the season they’re going to clinch the division.
At 6-1, the 49ers are already four games ahead of the second-place 2-5 Seattle Seahawks. And it’s completely realistic to think that the 49ers could have the division wrapped up before Thanksgiving, when they visit the Ravens.
Mike Sando of ESPN.com lays out the scenario that would result in the 49ers clinching the division on November 20, and it’s not at all farfetched. The 49ers would just need to beat the Redskins, Giants and Cardinals while the Seahawks lose their next three and the Cardinals and Rams both lose two of their next three. All very doable.
The 49ers’ eight-year playoff drought is coming to an end soon.