Until they are mathematically eliminated from NFL playoff contention, the 49ers keep the faith.

That was evident in San Francisco’s 38-13 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, where their one-game-at-one mentality allowed the 49ers to clinch a win in Week 14. And that attitude, tight end George Kittle believes, could be enough to get the team into the postseason.

“I mean, we still have everything to play for,” Kittle told reporters after the game. “I know certain things have to happen, but if we win every single game, I think we’re in a very good position to either win the division or somehow sneak into the playoffs.”

“I thought everyone was focused on this one week: ‘Hey, everyone.’ Forget about the whole season, whether you played poorly all season, whether you missed opportunities, whether you had a ton of touchdowns, leave all that out and just focus on this one game.

At 6-7 this season and in last place in the NFC West, the 49ers’ playoff chances normally wouldn’t be great. But with San Francisco just two games away from the West-leading Seahawks, anything could happen in the final four games of the 2024 NFL season – especially with Seattle facing a more difficult end-of-season schedule.

After the 49ers’ win over the Bears, NFL.com estimates San Francisco’s chances of making the playoffs at 8 percent. As I said, one game at a time.

“Put all your time, effort and energy into this one game and then we will live with those results,” Kittle continued. “I think the whole team did that all week. We had a great week of training. Everyone was involved and then we went into that play and really got the ball out. (49ers quarterback) Brock (Purdy) found a rhythm and our defense was on fire.

“We play team football and I definitely think everyone in this building still believes that – our coaching staff is excellent. Coach (Kyle) Shanahan comes up with great game plans and I thought our execution today was really, really good. If you can.’ Just combine those two things, our offense is pretty good.

The 49ers’ victory over the struggling Bears wasn’t exactly a statement for the rest of the league, but rather for themselves. Every victory strengthens morale in a difficult season – and perhaps also the league lead.

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