49ers Overcome Late Rally, Beat Cardinals to Secure No. 5 Seed in Playoffs

The 49ers will start the playoffs on the road against a rejuvenated Green Bay Packers team, but hey – they’re okay with that.

With seconds remaining against the Arizona Cardinals, Phil Dawson kicked a field goal to boost his team to the slot in the postseason. The 49ers are headed home with the No. 5 seed in the NFC.

The Packers beat their division rival Chicago Bears in a “win and you’re in” game.

With less than a minute to play, each team kicked a pair of field goals, setting the field for overtime. But a massive kick return on the following kick off set the Niners up for success.

The playoff picture was very unsettled heading into the last week of the regular season, with the 49ers able to clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Unfortunately, the stars didn’t align that well.

The 49ers would have to win and the Seahawks would need to lose in order to win the NFC West and earn a first-round bye in the playoffs. Their home field advantage dream was dashed when the Carolina Panthers beat the Atlanta Falcons with a last-minute touchdown.