NFC playoff picture, Week 13: 49ers look for key win
With a win this weekend over the Seattle Seahawks, the San Francisco 49ers will continue to improve their position in the NFC playoff picture.
As the calendar turns to December, here’s how the NFC playoff picture is shaping up:
1. Arizona Cardinals (9-2)
2. Green Bay Packers (8-3)
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-3)
4. Dallas Cowboys (8-4)
5. Los Angeles Rams (7-4)
6. San Francisco 49ers (6-5)
7. Washington Football Team (5-6)
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8. Minnesota Vikings (5-6)
9. Atlanta Falcons (5-6)
It’s a weird week in the NFC playoff picture, with nobody squaring off against another competitor.
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However, we begin with the 49ers, who are trying to run their win streak to four as they travel to Lumen Field for a date with the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle is one of the most disappointing teams in the league at 3-8, now playing out the proverbial string. For San Francisco, a win would get it to 7-5 and considering the teams below them in the standings, start firming up their playoff plans.
Speaking of those below them, Washington is on the road this week as well, also trying for a four-game winning stream. The Football Team visits the Las Vegas Raiders, who are on the playoff bubble in the AFC race. If Washington wins, it gets to .500 for the first time and starts to threaten for a playoff berth.
Meanwhile, the Vikings are at Detroit to take on the winless Lions. If Minnesota can’t handle business there, give it up. And finally, the Falcons are hosting the Buccaneers, in a rematch of Atlanta’s Week 2 loss to the defending champs.
Read: AFC Playoff Picture, Week 13 – Chargers Must Win
Elsewhere, the Cardinals are back in action after their bye week, taking on the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Chicago is a hideous 4-7, while Arizona is 9-2 but unsure if quarterback Kyler Murray and star receiver DeAndre Hopkins will be active.
In Los Angeles, the Rams are getting the likely tonic to their three-game losing skid with the Jacksonville Jaguars coming to town. Jacksonville, 2-9, is one of the league’s worst teams led by first-year head coach Urban Meyer.
Wrapping up, the Cowboys already won this week, beating the New Orleans Saints at the Caesar’s Superdome on Thursday night. With the victory, Dallas continues to close in on an NFC East title. Additionally, the Packers are off this weekend, getting a much-needed bye to get healthy before the stretch drive.
