49ers may benefit from not clinching playoff spot in Week 14

The 49ers may actually want to avoid clinching a playoff berth in Week 14 vs. the Saints.

The 49ers may find themselves in a situation where they’re rooting against clinching a playoff spot Sunday afternoon.

For the second consecutive week, San Francisco can clinch a playoff spot with a win and a Rams loss. The scenarios where the 49ers punch their ticket to the postseason for the first time since the 2013 season are straightforward:

49ers win, Rams lose or tie
49ers tie, Rams lose

Typically it would be a no-brainer for the 49ers to pull for a Rams loss in the afternoon following their 10:00 AM Pacific Time start in New Orleans. However, San Francisco may actually be rooting against their own self interest in regards to clinching a playoff berth Sunday.

The Rams are hosting the NFC West-leading Seahawks. A Seattle loss, regardless of the outcome of the 49ers’ game in New Orleans, helps San Francisco.

If the 49ers win and the Seahawks lose, San Francisco regains the NFC West lead and the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

If the 49ers lose and the Seahawks lose, the two teams stay locked in a tie atop the NFC West with the 49ers getting a chance to even and win the division when the two teams square off in Seattle the final week of the season.

There’s an added layer that makes a delay in their playoff clinch preferable for the 49ers. They play the Rams in Week 16, so a win in that game would lock up a playoff spot even if the Rams hang around the next couple weeks. Beating the Rams would clinch that playoff berth if it hadn’t already happened.

While clinching a playoff berth is the first step toward the team’s goal of a Super Bowl, it would wind up benefitting them if that clinch doesn’t happen this weekend.

Rams vs. Seahawks: 4 things to know for Week 14 matchup

The Rams and Seahawks will once again meet in prime time.

The Rams and Seahawks will meet for the second time this season on Sunday, and once again, it will be in prime time. The Seahawks won the first matchup narrowly, escaping with a 30-29 win after Greg Zuerlein missed a potential game-winning field goal.

The Rams are back for revenge, needing a win to stay in the hunt for a postseason berth in the NFC. Here are four things to know ahead of this pivotal game.

Rams haven’t had trouble scoring vs. Seattle

The Seahawks are typically known for having stout defenses, but the Rams haven’t had any trouble scoring against them in recent years. In their last four meetings, the Rams have scored at least 29 points each time, going 3-1 in that span. The Seahawks have scored 30 points in each of their last three games against the Rams, but in Dec. 2017, they were held to just seven points in the Rams’ 42-7 rout.

Seattle’s defense hasn’t been very good this season, ranking 24th in yards per game. The Seahawks are stout against the run, though, allowing just 99.6 yards per game (8th in NFL).

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NFC Playoff picture heading into Week 14

We didn’t really learn much about the NFC in Week 13 that we already didn’t know. The NFC East isn’t very good. The Saints are the only team in the NFC South that is better than mediocre. The NFC North’s two-team race is still the same — although the Bears could make a theoretical run if they win their next game. The NFC West’s two top teams may be the best in the NFC. Both are making it to the postseason tournament.

(Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys 6-6

There’s a legit chance the Cowboys don’t make the playoffs and there’s only one thing to blame here. They’ve been coached out of games they should have won. Now they face a tough game in Chicago against a pretty good Bears defense and then have to face a Rams team that is making a last-ditch effort for the wild card. Win those two games and they travel to Philadelphia for what could be an NFC East championship game. Good luck, Jason Garrett.

Remaining Games: @Bears, Rams, @Eagles, Redskins

Philadelphia Eagles 5-7

I am going to have to speak this into reality because there is absolutely no reason a playoff team should lose to the Miami Dolphins. Yet, here we are. The Eagles have a cake schedule the rest of the way and only need to beat the Cowboys at home to make the playoffs. Unfortunately, they don’t have Nick Foles around for this run — and their eventual playoff games.

Remaining Games: Giants, @Redskins, Cowboys, @Giants

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NFC Playoff picture heading into Week 13

The races for all of the divisions outside of the NFC South are heating up. The Cowboys and Eagles both have shots at winning the East. The Packers and Vikings have the same record and a game against each other. The Seahawks won’t go away even as the Niners continue to dominate every opponent — outside of Seattle. Of course, the wild card race is kind of finished since the Seahawks and Vikings are probably locked in.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys 6-5

Dallas is suffering from their coaching and not their talent. Now they enter a pretty tough stretch of their schedule starting with a Thanksgiving matchup against the Bills on short rest. The Week 16 game against the Eagles could end up deciding which team takes the east.

Remaining Games: Bills, @Bears, Rams, @Eagles, Redskins

Philadelphia Eagles 5-6

Philadelphia has been disappointing up until this point of the season. Now they get a stretch where they face some of the worst teams in the league. The Eagles may be thin at wide receiver and offensive line but they should still win games against the Dolphins, Giants and Redskins.

Remaining Games: @Dolphins, Giants, @Redskins, Cowboys, @Giants

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Former Longhorn Tyrone Swoopes promoted to active NFL roster from practice squad

Former Longhorns’ quarterback Tyrone Swoopes has made an NFL roster – but not as a quarterback. Swoopes transitioned to tight end in his first year in the NFL, and was promoted to the Seattle Seahawks’ roster to replace the injured Ed Dickson.

Aug 18, 2018; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Derwin James (33) defends Seattle Seahawks tight end Tyrone Swoopes (46) during the second half at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Swoopes started only one of his four years at Texas, his sophomore season in 2014. That year, he threw for 2409 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions on 58.3% passing. Swoopes was a threat on the ground as well, with 966 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns over the course of his career.

The Seahawks promoted Swoopes due to need at the tight end position, where they have been injury struck all year. Ed Dickson is the latest tight end to go on IR, after Will Dissly’s season-ending injury and Luke Willson’s lingering hamstring injury.

Teammates, coaches excited for Shaquem Griffin’s bigger role in defense

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin was praised by his teammates and coaches ahead of Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin got the green light in the team’s 27-24 victory against the San Francisco 49ers. He only played 14 defensive snaps, but defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. had a great deal of praise and saw major potential in him going forward.

“When the opportunities arise, that you have to really step up,” Norton told reporters Wednesday. “Griff really, he’s always shown his ability. If you watch his college tape, that’s what he did mainly, was a guy coming off the edge, having a lot of spark, doing a lot of spins. Lot of juice. So, we’re excited about where he can go with this.”

Veteran Seahawk and fellow linebacker Bobby Wagner appreciates Griffin’s ability to get to the quarterback.

“When we watched him practice, it was amazing,” Wagner said Wednesday. “His get-off, his turn, the way he was getting to the quarterback. Then, after that, when you don’t get to the quarterback, the quarterback throws the ball [away]. If you guys watch the film, him coming out of his stack and trying to make a play 10 yards downfield. You notice his energy, you notice his effort, and I feel like he’s been growing and growing.”

With Jadeveon Clowney being a game-time decision for Sunday and the rest of the Seahawks pass rush struggling, Griffin could see significant time against the Eagles. Clowney himself raved about Griffin as well.

“He does everything. I don’t ever put it past him that he can’t do anything now,” Clowney said. “He showed me so much. When he’s over there, I don’t even worry. He’s going to take care of his own. Even with one hand, he still goes out there and does his thing. I’m a big supporter and a big fan of his since I’ve been here.”

Fans may soon see if Griffin can be a significant contributor in a crucial game against Philadelphia.

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Seattle Seahawks at Philadelphia Eagles odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Week 12 matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles with NFL betting odds and lines, picks and tips.

The Seattle Seahawks (8-2) face the Philadelphia Eagles (5-5) Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field at 1 p.m. ET. We analyze the Seahawks-Eagless odds and betting lines while providing betting tips and advice around this Week 12 NFL matchup.

Seahawks at Eagles: Week 12 preview, betting trends and notes

Looking to place a bet on this game or others? Sign up at BetMGM.

The Eagles dropped to 5-5 after losing to the New England Patriots.
The Seahawks were on a bye last week after beating the previously-undefeated San Francisco 49ers the week before.
The last meeting between the two teams was a 24-10 Seahawks win in 2017.
Seattle has been surprisingly better on the road than at home with a 5-0 record. Philadelphia is just 3-2 at home.
The Philadelphia defense ranks fourth against the run allowing just 86 yards per contest.
The Seahawks rank 4th in offensive yards per game (389.1 YPG) and average 27.5 points per contest.
Philadelphia ranks just 23rd in total offense at 337.8 yards per contest.
The Seahawks allow the eighth-most yards per game defensively and allow 25.4 points per game.
The Eagles are ninth overall defensively and yield 323.5 yards per tilt. This includes just 23 points allowed per game.
The Seahawks have a turnover margin of plus-six, while the Eagles are minus-two.

Seahawks at Eagles: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 11:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Seahawks 24, Eagles 20

Moneyline (?)

The SEAHAWKS (+100) remain a solid play because of the small price and value vs. the Eagles (-121). The Eagles lacked any kind of downfield punch last week and it did not help that their receivers dropped at least three or passes on routes of 15-plus yards.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Seahawks to win returns a profit of $10 with a victory.

Against the Spread (?)

Back the SEAHAWKS against the spread as well at (+1.5, -110). Seattle is rested and should win this game outright. They’ll need to lose by a single point or win straight up in order to cover. The moneyline is the more profitable play.

Over/Under (?)

The UNDER 48.5 (-115) is the bet here. The Eagles’ offense seems to be decreasing by the week and Seattle’s defense looks to be improving. Rest this time of year is rare and for Seattle to have such a late bye is huge. That may be enough to slow down the Eagles’ attack and keep the Under as the play.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Chris’ NFL Picks: 32-22 season record.

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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NFC Playoff picture heading into Week 12

(Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) NFC East Dallas Cowboys 6-4 It still feels like Dallas should be better than it is. The Cowboys have a talented defense but give up too many points. They have a stud running back but go to Ezekiel Elliott …

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys 6-4

It still feels like Dallas should be better than it is. The Cowboys have a talented defense but give up too many points. They have a stud running back but go to Ezekiel Elliott too often on early downs. Dak Prescott is an MVP candidate. Dallas almost needs to win this game against the Patriots because the Eagles have an extremely easy schedule after Week 12. It’s a weird situation.

Remaining Games: @Patriots, Bills, @Bears, Rams, @Eagles, Redskins

Philadelphia Eagles 5-5

The Eagles are the new Falcons. Everyone expects them to win but they do something every other game that makes us question whether they are actually good. Their defensive injuries have now transitioned to the offense. If Philadelphia can beat the Seahawks this week, they could end up 10-6 or 11-5. It’s all very odd. The NFC East could come down to the Week 16 game against Dallas.

Remaining Games: Seahawks, @Dolphins, Giants, @Redskins, Cowboys, @Giants

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NFC West roundup: 49ers sweep Cardinals, Rams beat Bears in Week 11

In Week 11, the San Francisco 49ers completed their sweep of the Arizona Cardinals while the Los Angeles Rams edged out the Chicago Bears.

The Seattle Seahawks (8-2) had a well-deserved bye week, leaving their rivals to battle it out in Week 11. The San Francisco 49ers (9-1) and Arizona Cardinals (3-7-1) faced off against each other in Santa Clara and the Los Angeles Rams (6-4) played the Chicago Bears (4-6) on Sunday night. Both the 49ers and Rams came out victorious, and the Cardinals lost to San Francisco. Here is a more specific summary of how Seattle’s rivals in the NFC West performed in Week 11.

San Francisco 49ers 36 – Arizona Cardinals 26

The 49ers pulled off a memorable comeback victory against their division rival and kept a hold on the No. 1 seed in the NFC while also securing their first winning season since 2013.

The Cardinals raced ahead 16-0 before San Francisco scored 17 unanswered points to take the lead. From there it was a back-and-forth battle until Jimmy Garoppolo threw the game-winning touchdown pass to running back Jeff Wilson with 31 seconds remaining in regulation. The 49ers scored a defensive touchdown on Arizona’s desperation lateral attempt on the final play of the game, making the final score 36-26 and completing a sweep of the Cardinals.

Garoppolo threw four touchdown passes for 424 yards and two interceptions, completing 75.6% of his passes along the way. Kyler Murray threw two TDs and no INTs for only 150 yards but also completed over 70% of his passes.

San Francisco will play the Green Bay Packers (8-2) in a highly anticipated contest on “Sunday Night Football.” Arizona hits its bye week and is all but out of the race for the division and the postseason.

Los Angeles Rams 17 – Chicago Bears 7

A defensive slugfest on Sunday night, the Rams edged out the Bears at home. Both quarterbacks struggled immensely for the most part and couldn’t get into a rhythm. Mitch Trubisky suffered a hip injury and was taken out of the game, leaving Chase Daniel to fill in for him.

The Rams defense outplayed that of the Bears, limiting their opponent to seven points. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald had two sacks and four quarterback hits, while Bears defensive end Khalil Mack did not even register a tackle. Los Angeles did enough on both sides of the ball to secure a win and keep its faint playoff hopes alive.

The Rams get an extra day off as they play the high-flying Ravens (8-2) – whose quarterback Lamar Jackson has taken the NFL by storm – next Monday night.

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Seahawks take NFC West lead if Cardinals beat 49ers on the road

The Seattle Seahawks could take the lead in the NFC West if the Arizona Cardinals defeat the San Francisco 49ers on the road today.

The Seattle Seahawks can take the lead in the NFC West for the first time since October 2017 if the Arizona Cardinals defeat the San Francisco 49ers on the road in Week 11.

Seattle has fought valiantly through 10 weeks of football, compiling an admirable 8-2 record through that span, but the NFC is absolutely stacked this year. The Seahawks will have their work cut out for them if they want to make the postseason, let alone compete in it.

The 8-1 49ers are their biggest obstacle, as they share a division with Seattle. Despite their loss to the Seahawks in overtime last week, the 49ers have repeatedly proven they are not to be taken lightly by rattling off eight straight wins in the first half of the season. In addition, the Seahawks narrowly edged them out and barely escaped Levi’s Stadium with a victory. Both teams made critical errors, but the 49ers refused to let up at any point. Seattle will need all the help it can get from San Francisco’s opponents while capitalizing on any opportunities presented.

However, like the Seahawks, the 49ers have a difficult second-half schedule that could hinder their chances of claiming the division crown. Most notably, San Francisco still has to play the Saints and Ravens, the two teams that beat Seattle.

The Seahawks have a good chance to make the postseason and even claim the NFC West crown, but they will likely need to count on some assistance from other teams. It starts with the Cardinals today at 1:05 p.m. PT.

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