NFC Playoff Race Update and Week 16 Projections

[TexasRam]

So um..

Obviously we need to win and get in but looking at the projected opponents if we get the 6 or 7 seed…

Looks like we will play the Lions or Eagles. I say this because the Cowboys have the Lions and Dolphins left to play, while the Eagles have the Gmen twice and the Cards. The Cowboys should fall to the 5 seed, while the 2 and 3 seeds are Eagles and Lions.

Having said that, I feel we can beat the Lions or Eagles if we play our game in the wildcard round.

For the divisional round, we would then likely play the Niners as we
Would be the lowest seed alive. They are clearly more stacked right now, talent wise. But our new physical run game matches up better vs the Niners then our previous soft finesse passing approach.

 

[Tumak61]

I believe we need to win out to make the playoffs.

 

[“Turbo set!”]

Lions or Eagles are beatable. Assuming we win its likely the 49ers in Divisional round.

 

[AvengerRam]

I believe we need to win out to make the playoffs.

Not necessarily.

If we beat the Giants and the Seahawks lose this week (@ Titans) or next (Steelers), then the two spots come down to us, the Vikings and the Packers. The Vikings have 2 games against Detroit and one against the Packers, so we can definitely make it with 9 wins.

 

[Merlin]

So um..

Obviously we need to win and get in but looking at the projected opponents if we get the 6 or 7 seed…

Looks like we will play the Lions or Eagles. I say this because the Cowboys have the Lions and Dolphins left to play, while the Eagles have the Gmen twice and the Cards. The Cowboys should fall to the 5 seed, while the 2 and 3 seeds are Eagles and Lions.

Having said that, I feel we can beat the Lions or Eagles if we play our game in the wildcard round.

For the divisional round, we would then likely play the Niners as we
Would be the lowest seed alive. They are clearly more stacked right now, talent wise. But our new physical run game matches up better vs the Niners then our previous soft finesse passing approach.

Yeah the Cowboys are our worst matchup. Their strengths to our weaknesses. Our boys are gonna get booted but we might win a game if the matchup is ideal.

Long as we get in I am happy. Just let me feel that playoff hope even if it's brief.

 

[TexasRam]

Yeah the Cowboys are our worst matchup. Their strengths to our weaknesses. Our boys are gonna get booted but we might win a game if the matchup is ideal.

Long as we get in I am happy. Just let me feel that playoff hope even if it's brief.

Agree, it will be good to just be in the dance in this rebuild year.

I don't see us winning in Dallas if it came to that. They are a great passing team and that is our weakness.

But teams are now smelling blood after seeing that the Cowboys can be run on.

Strangely enough, that is something we are really doing great right now. So, I am a little more hopeful.

I also think the tinkering with the secondary with Lake in the nickel and Durant on the boundary might turn into something. Not to mention how Jones is being used, penetrating the backfield and blitzed a bunch more, from what I can tell. Who knows.

Even in a loss, we are looking much more competitive right now.

 

[Merlin]

I have never been a lunch guy, just got used to not eating most of the day until dinner. Not the healthiest, but it is Starbucks French Roast until dinner time,
View attachment 63138

Shouldn't share this secret but what the hell... This is the coffee right here. Best on the market for taste vs cost.

 

[Steve808]

If the whiners lose to the Ravens, there's a chance they have to play their starters against the Rams to get the #1 NFC seed and bye.

 

[Londoner]

I wish people would give up this fantasy that the Whiners are going to rest their starters against us.

If they have the #1 seed already won, they will still be at full strength because they fear us and will do their best to keep us out of the playoffs. They can give their players the following week off.

 

[TexasRam]

I wish people would give up this fantasy that the Whiners are going to rest their starters against us.

If they have the #1 seed already won, they will still be at full strength because they fear us and will do their best to keep us out of the playoffs. They can give their players the following week off.y

You could be right. But in a season that has seen what? 58 different QB's starting a game? I think coaches are fully aware of the risk.

Shanny lost Purdy in last years Championship and his backup. I am sure injury to starters is a HUGE conversation in Santa Clara.

So, do you then run Mcaffery 30 times vs our stout wall of run stoppers and risk losing your best skill player?

If the Starters play do you let Purdy sit back there on 3rd and long vs Donald and Turner with your weak interior Oline?

You may be correct that they "play their starters" but even if that is true, I see a safe, scared game plan while we are out for blood every snap.

But who knows what happens between now and then, including injuries.

 

[badnews]

Shouldn't share this secret but what the hell... This is the coffee right here. Best on the market for taste vs cost.

View attachment 63140

I've been hooked on this shit for 10 years...

 

[snackdaddy]

If the 49ers win tonight and next week they clinch the number one seed going into our game. You would think they'd sit most their starters in that one. Or at least only play them a quarter or two. But Shanahan would be facing a lot of outside pressure to beat us if a loss eliminates us. They want revenge for that playoff loss to us. Would Shanahan give in to it? Be risky to play guys like Purdy, McCaffrey, Deebo, Aiyuk and Bosa in a meaningless game.

 

[SoCalRam78]

If the 49ers win tonight and next week they clinch the number one seed going into our game. You would think they'd sit most their starters in that one. Or at least only play them a quarter or two. But Shanahan would be facing a lot of outside pressure to beat us if a loss eliminates us. They want revenge for that playoff loss to us. Would Shanahan give in to it? Be risky to play guys like Purdy, McCaffrey, Deebo, Aiyuk and Bosa in a meaningless game.

Imagine one of their core guys getting hurt in a meaningless game after they secured a one seed. They may get some reps but Shanahan would be an idiot to play his starters 4 quarters. Show on other foot I would want McVay to rest guys.

 

[SoCalRam78]

If the 49ers win tonight and next week they clinch the number one seed going into our game. You would think they'd sit most their starters in that one. Or at least only play them a quarter or two. But Shanahan would be facing a lot of outside pressure to beat us if a loss eliminates us. They want revenge for that playoff loss to us. Would Shanahan give in to it? Be risky to play guys like Purdy, McCaffrey, Deebo, Aiyuk and Bosa in a meaningless game.

Imagine one of their core guys getting hurt in a meaningless game after they secured a one seed. They may get some reps but Shanahan would be an idiot to play his starters 4 quarters. Show on other foot I would want McVay to rest guys.

 

[fanotodd]

Even if the 9ers clinch the #1 seed going into week 18, I would expect most of the starters to play some, just not the entire game.

Giving too many guys a full 2 weeks rest might be a little risky when you’re playing a team that might have been in playoff mode for the last month. You’re liable to get punched in the mouth before they finish singing the national anthem.

 

[Steve808]

I wish people would give up this fantasy that the Whiners are going to rest their starters against us.

If they have the #1 seed already won, they will still be at full strength because they fear us and will do their best to keep us out of the playoffs. They can give their players the following week off.

If rat boy does that then I hope one of their key players gets banged up or out for the playoffs. Or more than 1 player

 

[Londoner]

If rat boy does that then I hope one of their key players gets banged up or out for the playoffs. Or more than 1 player

Each to their own, but I would never wish an injury to any player.

Besides, it would be far sweeter to beat them when they’re at full strength, so that they have no excuses.

 

[Steve808]

I wish people would give up this fantasy that the Whiners are going to rest their starters against us.

If they have the #1 seed already won, they will still be at full strength because they fear us and will do their best to keep us out of the playoffs. They can give their players the following week off.

If rat boy does that then I hope one of their key players gets banged up or out for the playoffs. Or more than 1 player

Each to their own, but I would never wish an injury to any player.

Besides, it would be far sweeter to beat them when they’re at full strength, so that they have no excuses.

I would agree for sure. But if a coach is so arrogant that he wants to win a meaningless game, then there could be consequences. McVay knows this. If rat boy doesn't know this then all morals are thrown out the window in my book. I'm not suggesting dirty play, but sh@t happens in football.

 

[oldnotdead]

Big Whit was on Rich Eisen's show and he believes the Rams and the seahawks will be the Wild Card teams in the NFC (sorry Cards, go ahead and sit down).....

I totally agree. But it would help if both the Vikings and Packers lose one of their last two to take their tie breakers out of the equation.

 

[El Chapo Jr]

Each to their own, but I would never wish an injury to any player.

Besides, it would be far sweeter to beat them when they’re at full strength, so that they have no excuses.

I'll settle for beating them in any way, shape, or form. I could give 2 shits what the health of their team is. It's the Whiners, they always have excuses.