Inman: Looking ahead at the 49ers’ final-four push toward the playoffs

SANTA CLARA — This 49ers season is so beguiling that they’ll improve their playoff stature without even playing in Week 14.

Currently the NFC’s seventh and final seed, the 49ers (9-4) can sit back and rehab on their bye while climbing to at least the No. 6 spot and potentially No. 2.

They’ll leapfrog the loser of Sunday’s game between the Chicago Bears (9-3) and the host Green Bay Packers (8-3-1) for the No. 6 spot, yet still be in wild-card territory.

The No. 2 slot, behind the victor of that Bears-Packers game...