In an expected victory, but what turned out to be much more of a thrilling game, Colin Kaepernick led his San Francisco 49ers to a victory against the Atlanta Falcons.

While the Falcons have been one of the worst teams in the league this year and had nothing to play for, the 49ers still needed the victory in order to stay alive n the race for the playoffs.

The 49ers play in the NFC West, which has become the toughest division to play in, due to the excellent star power behind Colin Kapernick of the 49ers and Russell WIilson of the Seattle Seahawks. The Cardinals also follow closely behind, and are still fighting for a playoff spot with a record of 10-5.

With the recent win against the Falcons on Monday Night Football, the 49ers also become the third team to clinch a spot in the playoffs. They join the Seahawks and Panthers, who have both been dominant this season.

It was looking for a while like the 49ers were in trouble when trailing 10-3 at the half, but they turned things around after halftime, and scored 31 points in an explosive offensive half.

Frank Gore said the #49ers are in the "tournament" when referring to clinching the playoffs. #JanuaryMadness comes soon!

— Christian Gin (@Christian_Gin) December 24, 2013

The 49ers won the game with a final score of 34-24. The victory was sealed when Navorro Bowman returned an interception 89 yards for a touchdown with 1:10 remaining, and it was a historic win, as it is likely the last game that the 49ers will be at Candlestick Park, and their last home game of the season.

Speaking on the incredible play to end the game, coach Jim Harbaugh said “That’s been the best thing I’ve ever seen happen in a football game. It might have been close to ‘The Catch’.”

Of course, any 49ers fan would know that “The Catch” that Harbaugh is referring to is the game winning touchdown pass from Joe Montana to Dwight Clark. It was during the 1981 NFC Championship Game, and sent the 49ers to their first Super Bowl.

After Colin Kaepernick led the 49ers to the win, it also helps to create several different playoff scenarios, and all sorts of situations for the end of their season.

QB @Kaepernick7 has led the #49ers to the playoffs in his first season as a full-time starter. http://t.co/TtkZRKZcPT pic.twitter.com/aeYsoMFzBA

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 24, 2013

Thank you to the fans for making tonight special. What a moment and a game! Games like tonight is what makes this game so special

— Joe Staley (@jstaley74) December 24, 2013

San Francisco still has a slim chance at winning a third consecutive NFC West crown and earning a first-round bye if St. Louis wins at Seattle and the 49ers beat Arizona on the road. Along with a loss from the Panthers, the 49ers would claim the No.1 seed entering the playoffs, in an unlikely scenario.

After a legendary finish at their last game at Candlestick, Colin Kaepernick will lead the 49ers to Arizona for their final game of the regular season.

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