2011 NFL Playoffs: Why the San Francisco 49ers Must Get a First-Round Bye

The NFL playoffs are less than three weeks away and the San Francisco 49ers have secured their first playoff birth since the 2002 season.

The team has thrived under rookie head coach Jim Harbaugh and currently shows no signs of slowing down. After a 20-3 win over the Steelers on Monday night, the 49ers currently hold the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs, which will guarantee them a first round bye.

Although the Niners get a home playoff game by virtue of winning the NFC West, there are several reasons why it is critical to the team's success that they get the bye.

Preparation

"We're talking about PRACTICE!"

Preparation will be key. While the team will not know their exact opponent during their bye week, they can began preparing for the mental aspect of the playoffs.

Given his experience as a player, Coach Harbaugh will need to convey upon his team what the atmosphere will be like, as the 49ers could potentially face the previous two Super Bowl champions, the Saints and the Packers. 

San Francisco's last playoff appearance was in 2002.  Here's some interesting notes on some of the players currently on the roster:

• Alex Smith was an 18-year old freshman at Utah
• Patrick Willis was a high school senior.
• Aldon Smith was just becoming a teenager.
• Long snapper Brian Jennings is the only player remaining from the 2002 season.

Home-Field Advantage

The 49ers finished their regular season home schedule 7-1, with the loss coming in an overtime game against the Cowboys in Week 2.

All of their home wins were by a margin of seven points or more, including a 27-20 win over the Giants and a 20-3 win against the Steelers.

In addition, opposing defenses have been unable to hold the Niners to less than 20 points per game at home. A convincing win in the divisional round would build great momentum and confidence heading into a potential NFC Championship showdown against the Packers in Green Bay.

Avoid the Superdome

If the Saints manage to get the No. 2 seed in the NFC Playoffs and the Niners win their wild-card match-up, the 49ers would travel to New Orleans to face the Saints.

The Saints have been absolutely dominant at home, touting a 6-0 record and scoring less than 30 points only once—27 against the Buccaneers. That includes a 40-33 win in Week 3 against a tough Texans defense.

While the 49ers have played well on the road, the crowd noise, playoff atmosphere and experience would be heavily in New Orleans' favor. They are 25-7 at home—including playoffs—going back to 2008.

Additionally, Quarterback Drew Brees is 3-0 in home playoff games as a member of the Saints. While it's not impossible for the Niners staunch defense to slow down the Saints' high-octane offense, it's the playoff scenario they would most want to avoid.

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