NFC playoff race: 49ers' Week 9 rooting guide goes against Kyler Murray

There are seven playoff spots up for grabs in both conferences. Well, seven is the number, but Kansas City and Detroit are locks. The 49ers are enjoying their bye week, but what should 49ers fans look forward to on Sunday?

The team is tied for first place in the NFC West, but trails Arizona at the top of the standings due to tiebreakers. If the playoffs started today, the 49ers would be on the outside looking in. It's a good thing the postseason doesn't start today.

NFL.com's playoff probability percentage (try saying that three times fast) for the 49ers is 58 percent. That number is higher than Arizona, which ranks fourth at 35 percent and drops to 23 percent with a loss on Sunday. The Cardinals' Week 9 opponent is the Bears, and Chicago is currently the eighth seed with a 19 percent playoff probability. In a loss to Arizona, that number drops to 12 percent. A win over the Cardinals increases the Bears' chances to 27 percent.

Tampa Bay, the first opponent from their bye week, is just ahead of the 49ers. The Bucs' playoff probability is 48 percent, but will drop to 42 percent if they lose to Kansas City. Spoiler alert: Kansas City will have another week to integrate Deandre Hopkins, and it will be 40 points against the Bucs' weak defense.

Detroit faces Green Bay with the Lions at 93 percent, and a win brings them to 97 percent. In the event of a loss, they drop to 90 percent; for Green Bay, they drop from 70 percent to 83 percent. If the Lions win, the Packers drop to 62 percent.

What about the other two NFC West teams? Unfortunately, Seattle and Los Angeles can't both lose (although a draw would be objectively hilarious). The Rams are at 18 percent, Seattle is at 21 percent. If the Rams lose, they drop to 9 percent, and if the Seahawks lose, they drop to 12 percent.