SANTA CLARA — Week 16 brings with it the 49ers’ regular-season home finale, against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday night. Ideally, the 49ers would like to host their first playoff game in Levi’s Stadium history three weeks later. Ideally, we should cut to the chase and unveil this week’s mailbag via my Instagram and Twitter questionnaires:

Given the 49ers record on the road, could a wild-card spot be a blessing in disguise? (@geoffcast)

Nope. The wild-card road is brutal. Just recall the 49ers’ last playoff appearance, in 2013: they won at Green Bay and Carolina but then fell at Seattle. The 49ers are 6-1 away from Levi’s Stadium this season, the lone loss coming at Baltimore as time expired. Not bad for a team that was winless on the road last year. Avoiding the wild-card round and sparring themselves an extra game is also key with health concerns.

With the Texans not ruling out J.J. Watt for the playoffs, is it possible Kwon Alexander returns for the 49ers playoff run? (@Eman24x)

It’s possible. The 49ers still can activate one player off injured reserve, now or in the playoffs. Is Alexander a realistic candidate? Kendrick Bourne posted an Instagram video Monday of Alexander working out, captioned: “Kwon said he comin back this year.” Alexander sustained a torn pectoral Oct. 31, four days after J.J. Watt, who the Houston Texans aren’t ruling out from an IR return. Stay tuned.

Out of all the injured players, Who do you expect back next week vs. the Rams? (@CliffordJacks)

First, the Rams game is this week, on Saturday night (5:15 p.m.). I wouldn’t expect Dee Ford to return until the playoffs. Jaquiski Tartt hasn’t practiced since his rib injury in Baltimore, so he’s likely out. Richard Sherman is intriguing, in that he wants to play but it may be best to save him for a high-stakes return to Seattle on Dec. 29. K’Waun Williams must clear concussion protocol, and hopefully he’s progressed.

I understand having half of the defense out is a big hurdle, but why does the D always struggle in late game situations? (@49er71)

It’s been a disturbing trend throughout defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s three seasons. Fans clamor for more blitzes. They want sacks. They want turnovers. So does he. So do they. This past game, the defense was full of injury replacements, and most players looked gassed.

Did anyone ask Kyle about going for it on that last 4th and 1? Analytics would clearly say go for it, not even close. Why didn’t he? (@bushwoodgc)

Coach Shanahan said he wanted to force the Falcons have to drive for a touchdown. Problem is, they did. Add it to the short-yardage, second-guessed calls this season. I honestly was OK with a fourth-down field goal, partly to test the defense’s moxie for upcoming clutch moments in the playoffs.

Why did Breida get the ball again after fumbling? Why isn’t Coleman being used more? (@Here4ffootball)

It’s Week 16 and I still can’t explain the 49ers’ preference or rotation with their running backs, other than they have multiple options. I’d rank them: Raheem Mostert, Matt Breida, Jeff Wilson, Tevin Coleman. The 49ers force Coleman too much into the backfield as a pseudo-starter.

Why didn’t Kentavius Street play on Sunday (@evolotionoftobias)

Ah, but he did. Just not much. Street’s NFL debut consisted of 11 snaps (out of 67). That’s how I figured the 49ers might ease in their 2018 fourth-round draft pick, who’s career has been on hold because of a pre-draft knee injury.

Are the 49ers going to win the Super Bowl? (@manuelgarcia590)

Losing three of their past six may scare some. But the Patriots won last season’s Super Bowl after dropping 3 of 7 before entering the playoffs. It’s a wide-open Lombardi Trophy hunt, and, after a five-season drought, the 49ers now have an entry ticket.

Will the Niners be first seed? (@roco.reyes49ers)

They will if they beat the Rams on Saturday night and then win Dec. 29 at Seattle for the first time since Christmas Eve 2011.

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Be honest, what are your postseason predictions? (@r.o.h.a.n.1204)

Some rain, snow, officiating blunders, defensive touchdowns, replay reversals, Tom Brady sightings, a Lamar Jackson MVP curse, and, eventually, a Super Bowl pitting the 49ers and Chiefs (this prediction is subject to change).

Are the 49ers going to the playoffs? (@kiranahmed786)

Are you not paying attention? They clinched Sunday, backing in via a Rams loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Can we win tickets for the Rams game? (@solo_3100)

Anyone want to be a secret Santa for this guy? Happy holidays, folks.