When the clock hit zero during the San Francisco 49ers' Week 10 loss at home to the Seattle Seahawks, you kind of had the feeling that the NFC West might come down to the Week 17 rematch. Here we are at the end of the season, and that is exactly the situation.
The 49ers beat the Los Angeles Rams 34-31 on Saturday night and, at least temporarily, regain the top seed in the NFC playoff race. That could change on Sunday afternoon, though, depending on the outcome of the game between the Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals.
The Rams have been eliminated from playoff contention.
But really, what matters is what happens next weekend between San Francisco and Seattle at CenturyLink Field. The game has the potential to have a significant impact throughout the conference. The 49ers' last win in Seattle came in 2011.
A victory next weekend and the 49ers earn the NFC's No. 1 seed, a first-round bye, some much-needed rest, and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, making a Super Bowl run much easier. A loss, and it means turning things around quickly and preparing to head on the road for Wildcard weekend.
Needless to say, the stakes are high.
The 49ers currently sit at 12-3 after Saturday's win. All three of San Francisco's losses (vs. Seattle, at Baltimore, vs. Atlanta) this season have come in the closing seconds of each game.
Below are the current standings in the NFC West.
San Francisco 49ers, 12-3
Seattle Seahawks, 11-3
Los Angeles Rams, 8-7
Arizona Cardinals, 4-9-1
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