The 49ers' playoff hopes are convoluted and straightforward all in one. San Francisco clinches a playoff scenario in Week 17 if the Dolphins beat the Saints tonight, the Saints lose next week, and the Niners beat the Texans.
Another scenario includes a 49er win against the Texans paired with an Eagles loss, a Saints win tonight and next week, in addition to a Falcons victory. The simpler path to follow involves the Saints losing.
Ian Book is under center tonight, but that doesn’t mean the Dolphins are going to waltz into the Superdome, roll the ball onto the field, and win.