Tag: nfc west standings

Why NFL Week 13 results were so damaging for 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers’ playoff hopes are fading fast.

The San Francisco 49ers‘ playoff hopes are fading fast.

With its 35-10 loss at Buffalo on Sunday night, the 49ers have now dropped three straight to sink to 5-7 on the season.

The blowout loss also marked the first time since 2015 and just the fourth time in franchise history that San Francisco has lost back-to-back games by 25 points or more.

San Francisco entered Week 13 just a game outside first place in the NFC West, but the 49ers exit the week in the division’s cellar.

The Seattle Seahawks used a 92-yard pick-six from defensive end Leonard Williams to flip an early 21-7 deficit into an eventual 26-21 win at the New York Jets. The Seahawks improved to 7-5 with the win.

Seattle has now won three straight dating back to its 20-17 Week 11 win at San Francisco.

Thanks to Minnesota‘s rally over Arizona, Seattle now owns sole possession of first place in the NFC West.

Minnesota quarterback Sam Darnold connected with running back Aaron Jones for a 5-yard score with 1:13 left to play. Then, Vikings cornerback Shaquill Griffin sealed the 23-22 victory with his interception of Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray on the ensuing possession.

The loss drops Arizona to 6-6 on the season and one game out of first place.

The Los Angeles Rams stayed within striking distance thanks to a 21-14 win at the New Orleans Saints. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford tossed a pair of touchdown passes to Demarcus Robinson and Puka Nacua in the fourth quarter to help Los Angeles improve to 6-6.

Sitting in the cellar and now two games out of first place, San Francisco will close its 2024 season with games versus Chicago, versus the Los Angeles Rams, at Miami, versus Detroit and at Arizona.

Which games on Week 13 NFL schedule can help 49ers playoff hopes?

Here are the Week 13 games that impact the 49ers playoff hopes.

The San Francisco 49ers, despite careening toward the abyss of NFL mediocrity, still have a path to the postseason as they enter their Week 13 showdown against the Buffalo Bills.

Yet, thanks to the rest of the NFC West’s tussle with the .500 mark, there’s a clear way for the 49ers to win the division and punch their ticket to the playoffs.

Here are the Week 13 games that will impact the 49ers’ playoff chances and which team the 49ers need to win:

Cardinals (6-5) at Vikings (9-2)

49ers need: A Vikings win. Every NFC West loss is gold for the 49ers.

Spread: Vikings (-3.5)

Seahawks (6-5) at Jets (3-8)

49ers need: A Jets win. See above.

Spread: Seahawks (-2)

Titans (3-8) at Commanders (7-5)

49ers need: A Commanders loss, although the 49ers can render Washington’s involvement moot by stringing together wins while the other clubs in the division start stacking up a few losses. Washington is the No. 7 seed entering Week 13.

Spread: Commanders (-5.5)

Buccaneers (5-6) at Panthers (3-8)

49ers need: The 49ers have a head-to-head tiebreaker on Tampa Bay, but another 5-6 team getting a loss is helpful, so a Panthers win is ideal for San Francisco.

Spread: Buccaneers (-6)

Rams (5-6) at Saints (4-7)

49ers need: Another NFC West game means another game the 49ers need the NFC West foe to lose. A Rams win wouldn’t be terrible since it would further remove New Orleans from the conversation, but the NFC West loss is preferred.

Spread: Rams (-2.5)

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

This would be a perfect Week 12 for the Cardinals

The Cardinals could potentially extend their lead in the NFC over every team if they get a little bit of expected help in Week 12.

The Arizona Cardinals sit atop the NFC West at 6-4 in Week 12. If they beat the Seattle Seahawks on the road, they will remain in first place.

A win over the Seahawks would be huge because it would move them two games ahead of Seattle, improve their division record to 3-0 and would eliminate any potential head-to-head tiebreakers to anyone in the division for first place.

If the Cardinals get a little help from a couple of NFC teams, the Cardinals an increase their lead over everyone in the division by two games.

A win by Arizona would improve them to 7-4 and drop the Seahawks to 5-6.

The San Francisco 49ers, playing on the road against the Green Bay Packers, who are 7-3. The Packers are favored and the Niners will be without quarterback Brock Purdy or defensive end Nick Bosa, who are injured. If the Packers win, they strengthen their place in the wild card, but the loss by the Niners would drop them to 5-6, two games behind Arizona with six games to go.

The Los Angeles Rams are 5-5 and play Sunday night at home against the 8-2 Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are also favored in that game. A loss by L.A. also drops them to 5-6.

So Cardinals fans should be rooting for the Packers and the Eagles on Sunday.

A perfect Sunday would have the Cardinals handily beat the Seahawks and the Packers and Eagles both win.

Here’s to a potential perfect Week 12 for Arizona!

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1940]

Seahawks’ chances to win NFC West will be drastically altered by Cardinals outcome

Seahawks’ chances to win NFC West will be drastically altered by Cardinals outcome

The Seattle Seahawks significantly improved their postseason chances by defeating their divisional rival San Francisco 49ers 20-17 in Week 11. The Seahawks now find themselves in a three-way standings tie in the division with the 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, with all three teams at 5-5. Sunday’s Week 12 opponent is the Arizona Cardinals, who are leading the NFC West with a surprising record of 6-4.

The victory over San Francisco boosted Seattle’s postseason odds to 11%, according to The Athletic’s playoff model. Their odds of winning the NFC West currently stands at 8%. The remaining difference includes the opportunity to make the playoffs via the wild card.

Unsurprisingly, those odds will be drastically altered following Sunday’s outcome versus the Cardinals. With a victory, head coach Mike Macdonald will witness his postseason odds increase to 21%, with his chances to capture the division title upgraded to 16%, doubling from its current number. A loss would represent a major setback, with just 4% postseason odds, and 2% NFC West odds, per Michael-Shawn Dugar.

The Seahawks are currently 1-2 within the NFC West, having suffered defeats to the 49ers and Rams. Falling to 1-3 would drastically hinder their chances of winning the division. Following Sunday, the Seahawks have their final two divisional games against the Cardinals in Week 14, and the Rams in Week 18’s regular-season finale.

Sunday’s home showdown versus the Cardinals at Lumen Field will understandably have a playoff-like atmosphere.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Golden Tate believes the Seahawks can ‘shock the world’

Golden Tate believes the Seahawks can ‘shock the world’

It is simply amazing the world of difference even a single win can mean in the NFL. The Seattle Seahawks likely saved their season from going under with their 20-17 upset win over the San Francisco 49ers. It may only be a single win, but it was the difference between falling to 4-6 or improving to 5-5, which puts them right back in the middle of the NFC West hunt.

Folks around the league are noticing it, such as former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate. On Good Morning Football, Tate explained how this team can potentially “shock the world” given the opportunity presented to them in the near future.

Namely, the Arizona Cardinals, who Seattle faces twice in the next three weeks. Including this weekend, for a crucial divisional showdown.

When Tate says the next few weeks could “make or break” the Seahawks’ season, he is not exaggerating. Arizona is the only team in the NFC West with a winning record, but they are only 6-4. Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco are all close behind with identical 5-5 records. In fact, the NFC West is the only division in football where not one team is below .500 on the year.

Facing the Cardinals twice in a three-week span is a tall order, but an excellent opportunity to potentially find a way to get back into first place.

Right now, the NFC Playoff picture looks like the North is going to send three teams to the postseason – Detroit, Green Bay and Minnesota. In the East, the Eagles look back to their usual winning ways, but the Washington Commanders are perhaps the shock team of the conference. Should all those teams qualify for the playoffs, then the only path for a West team to get in the dance would be to win the division outright.

So, why not Seattle? Like Showtime Tate said, it’s make or break time.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1360]

Updated NFC West standings after Week 11

Updated NFC West standings after Week 11

For the better part of almost two full decades now, the NFC West has widely been regarded as one of the best divisions in football. While it may not be what it once was during the peak Legion of Boom days, it is still one of the more competitive divisions in the league.

We are through 11 weeks of the regular season, and here is how the NFC West is currently shaping up:

  • Arizona Cardinals 6-4 (2-0 in the division)
  • Los Angeles Rams 5-5 (2-1 in the division)
  • Seattle Seahawks 5-5 (1-2 in the division)
  • San Francisco 49ers (1-3 in the division)

The Los Angeles Rams bounced back from their dismal Week 10 defeat on Monday Night Football with a 28-22 win over the New England Patriots on the road. The Arizona Cardinals stood pat as they enjoyed their Bye Week. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks forced their way back into this competitive quagmire with their 20-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco all have identical 5-5 records, but the Rams top the Hawks and Niners due to head-to-head wins over both. Seattle and San Francisco have split, but the Seahawks now have the better in-division record over the 49ers, which is the next tiebreaker.

Things will surely continue to get more interesting as the regular season continues to wind down, and especially next week. The Seahawks will face the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field for their first meeting of the 2024 campaign. Should Seattle be able to defend home turf against the Red Birds, and the Rams lose to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football, the Seahawks will once again find themselves back in first place in the NFC West.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1360]

Seahawks QB Geno Smith really wants to beat the 49ers on Sunday

Seahawks QB Geno Smith really wants to beat the 49ers on Sunday

The Seattle Seahawks are facing a critical matchup within the NFC West against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. The Week 11 date is the final scheduled meeting versus the 49ers this season after the Bay Area-based team beat the Seahawks 36-24 in Week 6. Starting quarterback Geno Smith is 0-5 in his career against the divisional rival. Smith is anxious to put those struggles behind him on Sunday.

“It’s very personal, man,” Smith responded when asked about defeating the 49ers on Sunday. “When you think about division opponents, these games matter the most. Especially with the 49ers. They’ve been on top of our division for a while. If we want to be the type of team we say we are, we’ve got to go through teams like this. I know I’m going to step on the field with that chip on my shoulder, that edge I always have,” Smith concluded.

The 4-5 Seahawks are at the bottom of the NFC West. The 5-4 49ers trail the surprising 6-4 Arizona Cardinals. Smith struggled in the first meeting versus the 49ers, completing 30 of 52 passing attempts for 312 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Running back Kenneth Walker III was limited to 32 rushing yards and DK Metcalf totaled just 48 receiving yards. Smith will be anxious to spearhead a far more successful offensive showing on Sunday.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Importance of 49ers Week 10 win illustrated in USA TODAY NFL power rankings

Week 10 wasn’t pretty, but it was enough to push the 49ers way up the NFL power rankings.

It may not have looked exactly how they wanted it to look, but the San Francisco 49ers secured an important 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10.

There’s plenty for the 49ers to iron out, particularly on special teams where a muffed punt and a trio of missed field goals changed the tenor of Sunday’s game. However, their victory was crucial for keeping pace in the NFC West and NFC playoff races.

A good illustrator of just how important their Week 10 win was comes via the USA TODAY NFL power rankings. San Francisco entered the week at No. 16, but finished at No. 11, one spot behind the NFC West-leading Arizona Cardinals.

While they didn’t play their best football in Week 10, there are reasons to believe better play is coming given their post-Bye history under head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Via USA TODAY’s Nate Davis:

Their post-bye record in 2024 (with RB Christian McCaffrey) is 1-0. Their post-bye record since 2021 is 31-9.

This is a nice stat that should provide some optimism for 49ers fans. However, the 2024 season hasn’t been great through 10 weeks and the team hasn’t shown the ability to flip a switch and dominate a game for 60 minutes.

Cutting down on self-inflicted wounds could quickly set the 49ers up as a Super Bowl contender once again. If they continue making those mistakes, they won’t be a team hanging around the top 10 much longer with games coming up against NFC West rival Seattle, the No. 9 Green Bay Packers and No. 4 Buffalo Bills.

If the 49ers are going to be a contender this year, they’ll have to prove it in this stretch.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

NFC playoff picture highlights why Week 10 win was vital for 49ers

The 49ers so badly needed that win over the Buccaneers. Peep the standings.

The San Francisco 49ers’ Week 10 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won’t be confused for a football masterclass.

San Francisco missed three field goals, muffed a punt, went one-for-three in the red zone and committed four defensive penalties for 39 yards on Tampa Bay’s game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter.

While the victory might have left some scratching their heads about how good this 49ers team is, they needed to get a win to stick around in the thick of the NFC playoff hunt.

They got a little help from the Miami Dolphins on Monday night. They dropped the Los Angeles Rams 23-15 and moved them to 4-5 on the season. It leaves the NFC West standings looking like this after 10 weeks:

1. Cardinals (6-4)
2. 49ers (5-4)
3. Rams (4-5)
4. Seahawks (4-5)

A 49ers loss would have kept them in third place and even further behind the Arizona Cardinals for the division lead, and Arizona has a relatively soft schedule coming up after their Week 11 Bye. Keeping pace with them was a big deal for the 49ers.

San Francisco also climbed up the overall NFC playoff picture. They’re still not in the top seven, but a wild card spot seems far more attainable now than it would’ve had they dropped Sunday’s game in Tampa Bay.

At 5-4, the 49ers sit one game behind the Green Bay Packers for the seventh and final playoff spot. Here’s what the NFC playoff picture looks like after Week 10:

1. Lions (8-1)
2. Eagles (7-2)
3. Falcons (6-4)
4. Cardinals (6-4)
5. Vikings (7-2)
6. Commanders (7-3)
7. Packers (6-3)

8. 49ers (5-4)
9. Bears (4-5)
10. Rams (4-5)
11. Seahawks (4-5)

It’s not exactly where the 49ers wanted to be, but winning in Week 10 put them in position to make a run, and gave themselves a little bit of margin for error if they drop one of their upcoming games against the Seahawks, Packers or Bills.

Sunday might not have been pretty, but the 49ers got a win they needed. Now they need to find ways to play better down the stretch to take advantage of the spot they’re in entering Week 11.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Updated NFC West standings for Seahawks heading into Week 10 MNF

Updated NFC West standings for Seahawks heading into Week 10 MNF

The Seattle Seahawks enjoyed their Week 10 bye on Sunday. The NFC West standings received further shake-ups with two of Seattle’s division rivals capturing victories. It wasn’t a great afternoon for the Seahawks. The following standing changes occurred in the NFC West.

Cardinals improve to 6-4

The shocking Arizona Cardinals remain in first place after blowing out the New York 31-6. Quarterback Kyler Murray threw for 266 yards and one touchdown while completing 91.6 percent of his passing attempts (22-of-24). Rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. had five catches, 54 receiving yards and one score.

The Cardinals are red-hot, having claimed victory in four consecutive contests. Jonathan Gannon’s team is now the first six-win squad in the NFC West. The Seahawks will meet the division-leading Cardinals in Week 12.

49ers move to 5-4

San Francisco 49ers superstar running back Christian McCaffrey made his regular-season debut in a 23-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kicker Jake Moody missed several kicking attempts, but converted a 44-yarder with mere seconds remaining to help his team avoid overtime. The 49ers improved to 5-4 and remained in second place heading into Monday evening.

McCaffrey rushed for 39 yards via 13 carries, and added 68 receiving yards to his offensive totals through six receptions. The 49ers defeated the Seahawks 36-24 in Week 6. The rematch is scheduled for this Sunday in Week 11.

Rams play on Monday Night Football

The 4-4 Los Angeles Rams are playing the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. If the Rams are victorious, the Seahawks will become the NFC West’s lone remaining team stuck on four victories. After losing 26-20 to the Rams in Week 9, the rematch is slated for Week 18’s regular-season finale.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]