San Francisco 49ers: 5 Guaranteed Wins Remaining on the 2011 Schedule

It is no longer premature to consider the San Francisco 49ers as 2011 playoff locks. In fact, the stat wizards at footballoutsiders.com estimate that the 49ers have a robust 99.9 percent chance to make the playoffs.

The Niners' lock status is a combination of a massive four-game lead over the Seattle Seahawks and an upcoming easy schedule.

Coach Jim Harbaugh's team figures to win more than five of their final nine games, but here are five games that are certain 49ers wins.

Week 9: Nov. 6 at Washington Redskins

The 49ers have been road warriors thus far, conquering the Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. They should have no trouble with the inferior Washington Redskins.

QB John Beck leads the anemic Redskins' attack, which was shutout by the Buffalo Bills last week. Depleted by injuries, the Redskins will allow the 49ers' defense to pad their stats.

The 49ers will be 7-1 after Sunday's game.

Week 11: Nov. 20 vs. Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals have been one of 2011's biggest disappointments. They have a current record of 1-6 and QB Kevin Kolb, acquired in the offseason, has struggled mightily, not earning the top dollar he is being paid.

The 49ers' vaunted rush defense should shut down Beanie Wells, a rare bright spot for the Cardinals this season.

Considering the Cardinals' also have one of the NFL's worst defenses, the 49ers will rout them at Candlestick Park.

Week 13: Dec. 4 vs. St. Louis Rams

The Rams figure to have a couple more wins as their brutal schedule eases up. But let it be known that their win over New Orleans was a fluke.

St. Louis is still a team with little offense and even less defense.

With playoff seeding potentially on the line, the 49ers will have more than enough incentive to dispatch their division rivals. This will be another relatively easy win.

Week 14: Dec. 11 at Arizona Cardinals

At this point, the Cardinals will be in an excellent "Suck for Luck" position. With Kolb clearly not the answer, they should go all out to acquire the Stanford standout.

They wouldn't jeopardize their chance to grab Luck by giving a decent performance against the 49ers.

San Francisco will roll as the playoffs loom ever closer.

Week 16: Dec. 24 at Seattle Seahawks

The reason this contest was chosen over Week 17's game at St. Louis is simple: The 49ers will likely have more to play for.

In Week 16, San Francisco will be jockeying for playoff position. It may be trying to hold off the New Orleans Saints or New York Giants for the NFC's second seed.

More optimistically, they will be competing with the Green Bay Packers for the No. 1 seed. Nonetheless, there will be reason to stomp Tarvaris Jackson and/or Charlie Whitehurst.

The SF/STL season finale may be necessary to win for seeding, but if the 49ers are locked in their seed, they'll assuredly rest their starters for most of that afternoon.