The San Francisco 49ers could theoretically lose on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams and still win the NFC West the next week against the Seattle Seahawks. Maybe they would lose out on home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, but the division could still be had.
Kyle Brandt, however, believes Saturday's game is a must-win for the Niners and explained why during a segment on "Good Morning Football." The NFL Network morning show host noted that most in the media don't seem too concerned about the 49ers' loss to the Falcons with the belief that the team will bounce back. But should there be some concern?
"You know that over the last six weeks, they're a .500 team?" Brandt asked on Thursday. "Do you know that they lost their center, and against Atlanta, had their lowest rushing total in weeks? Like, we see teams peak in October and November, and I don't blame them because the injuries are really messing them up. It's not just Sherman (missed Sunday's game).
"But it's a very losable game to the Rams, and if they lose this one, then they've lost four of seven games, and they're limping into the playoffs. I am concerned. I am."
Kay Adams noted that the 49ers have managed to bounce back well from heartbreaking losses this season, including heading into the Superdome and beating the New Orleans Saints following a last-second loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
"Don't you feel in the NFC -- they're very good," Brandt added. "But being very good in these NFC playoffs will get you one-and-done. The teams are too good. They're loaded there. So they've got to get it turned around, and against their two biggest rivals, like now."