49ers eliminated from NFC playoffs before game against Miami. Cowboys, Saints, Cardinals also out

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers were eliminated from the playoffs before their game at Miami began on Sunday because of victories by Washington and the Los Angeles Rams.

Then they couldn’t play the role of spoiler, losing 29-17 and keeping the Dolphins’ slim playoff hopes alive.

The 49ers (6-9) became the 16th team to miss the postseason after losing the previous Super Bowl. They fell 25-22 to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58 on Feb.