Instant analysis of 49ers’ 29-17 loss to Dolphins amid playoff elimination

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Five years after losing Super Bowl LIV here, the 49ers’ return to Hard Rock Stadium cruelly coincided with their elimination from this season’s playoff contention — even before kicking off Sunday’s 29-17 defeat to the Dolphins.

Earlier victories by the NFC West-leading Los Angeles Rams and the wild-card seeking Washington Commanders officially extinguished the 49ers’ miniscule playoff chances, projected at less than 1%.

Thus, the outgoing NFC champions are playing out the string.