The 49ers took care of their business, righting the ship in Washington with a 27-10 win following an embarrassing home loss to the Ravens on Christmas.
Then the Arizona Cardinals — 13-point underdogs — did their part by improbably beating the Eagles in Philadelphia.
The combination clinched the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the Niners. Happy New Year, indeed.
Here are the studs and duds from the Week 17 game:
STUDS
The Arizona Cardinals
» The division rivals did the 49ers a huge solid on Sunday.
I wondered if Arizona going with an onside kick with the score tied 28-28 in the fourth quarter was a good decision, but it worked. The Cardinals trailed by 3 with 2:33 to play and sliced down the field in less than two minutes to score the go-ahead touchdown.
The Ravens might be the best team in the NFL, but there’s no question that the Niners are the NFC’s best. Because of it, they’ll effectively have two bye weeks before their first playoff game.
Brock Purdy
» Oh, right, the 49ers…
Well, this guy seems like a pretty good quarterback.
Purdy bounced back from his career-worst game with a clean, effective, high-quality performance. After four interceptions, he didn’t come close to throwing one Sunday.
(Yes, defense quality is a big difference between the two games, but you can’t divide by zero.)
Also, Purdy set the 49ers’ single-season passing yards record in 16 games. That’s no fluke.
If this is game management, I think every other team in the NFL would take it.
Brandon Aiyuk
» An elite receiver was justly leaned upon in this game by his quarterback. Under no circumstances can this duo be broken up this offseason.
Aiyuk had seven catches for 114 yards and a touchdown on an awesome scramble-drill play.
Charvarius Ward
There’s a reason teams don’t throw his way anymore.
Sam Howell forgot about that at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
A huge pick from an All-Pro player in San Francisco territory. That was the moment the Niners really took control of the game.
Elijah Mitchell
» The winter equinox also marks the beginning of Elijah Mitchell season.
With Christian McCaffrey picking up a calf injury (it doesn’t seem like a big deal), Mitchell took over as the Niners’ leadback and provided no reason to give it up.
Mitchell ran 17 times for 80 yards and a well-deserved touchdown.
That’s the reason the Niners keep him around.
If he can stay healthy (which is highly unlikely, given his history), the Niners will have a great 1-2 punch for the postseason.
Kyle Juszczyk
» A few times a year, we see a big Juice game. They’re a sight to behold.
The fullback was an outstanding lead blocker, caught three passes (and nearly a third, for a touchdown), and I think should become the Niners’ third-down back until Jauan Jennings returns to the fold.
DUDS
Javon Kinlaw
» Contrary to Fox announcer Adam Amin’s comment, Kinlaw has not, in fact, had a “rock solid year.” The Niners’ defensive tackle, pushed into action as a starter for a fourth-straight game with Arik Armstead out with a foot injury, is consistently pushed off the line of scrimmage on run plays. And not just by a few inches — by yards.
The Commanders didn’t even pretend they weren’t attacking him in the run game.
These are going to be his final games in a 49ers uniform. They’d be best spent on the bench or in strict pass-rushing roles.
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Logan Ryan
» I can see why he was on the couch a few weeks ago. The Niners are in trouble if they need to rely on the veteran to play strong safety in the playoffs. He looked downright lost out there. That might improve with time, but it highlights how strong rookie Ji’Ayir Brown (knee sprain) has been this season.
Fred Warner
» Three straight games with sub-par play. The concern level is rising, for sure.
Now, I don’t think he’s being put in good positions — defensive coordinator Steve Wilks is becoming predictable as a playcaller again, going to Cover-2 a bunch — but the Niners’ middle linebacker lacks the burst we expect to see.
The upcoming break will do everyone good. Warner is sneakily high on that list.
Ronnie Bell
» Who knew that the 49ers’ top-heavy roster issue applied to the team’s third-down, No. 3 receiver, Jauan Jennings?
Bell’s play has been dire. He isn’t catching the ball, and he isn’t blocking, either. It’s stunning the 49ers are even playing him, but…
Any other third receiver
» No one can beat out Bell for this role. That speaks volumes.
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