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After a four-point swing this week, Vegas expects the San Francisco 49ers to push for a postseason berth as the NFC's final wild-card team.
Two weeks ago, the San Francisco 49ers were a hopelessly-injured, four-win team, reduced to licking their wounds after three straight blowout losses to NFC rivals. But after a bye week of rest for key injured starters, combined with a must-win victory over the NFC West-leading Los Angeles Rams, the Niners' playoff hopes are now surprisingly very much alive. Partially due to the struggles of their new "stadium-mates," the 6-5 Arizona Cardinals, the 5-6 49ers are now in a three-way tie -- just one game from the NFL's new third wild-card spot.
Perhaps "The Legendary Revenge Tour of 2020" isn't over quite yet.
The Cardinals had the advantage of a very easy schedule -- aside from a challenging Week 1 matchup against San Francisco -- over the first six games of the 2020 NFL regular season. Despite their opponents' collective record of 20-47, Arizona managed to win just four games over that stretch, including an unanticipated and unfortunate victory over the Niners.
Whether the current wild-card team can right the ship in Week 13 will play a key role in the NFC playoff picture. Unfortunately for the Cards, they face the Rams, who are favored by three points for Sunday's matchup. Being the underdog is nothing new for flashy head coach Cliff Kingsbury, who has provided his teams with more hyped offenses and overall flair than actual victories during his coaching career in college and in the NFL.
Not only has Vegas taken note of the turmoil in Arizona, but the sportsbooks, the betting public, and the sharps have also recognized a newfound swagger in the San Francisco 49ers, which has resulted in significant line movement in the Niners' direction in Week 13 -- as well as a substantial opening line in the 49ers' favor for their Week 14 "home game" against the Washington Football Team. If Vegas is correct, San Francisco could be in the playoff driver's seat in just two short weeks.
Playoffs? Did someone say "Playoffs?!"
Barring a collapse by the Rams or aging quarterback Tom Brady's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the wild-card race appears to be four teams vying for one final playoff spot. Here are the teams, their next 2 opponents, and the current spread for each game at the time of publishing:
Team
Week 13
Spread
Week 14
Spread
Arizona Cardinals (6-5)
Rams (7-4)
Rams -3
Giants (4-7)
Cardinals -3
San Francisco 49ers (5-6)
Bills (8-3)
49ers -1
Washington (4-7)
49ers -4.5
Minnesota Vikings (5-6)
Jaguars (1-10)
Vikings -10
Bucs (7-5)
Bucs -6.5
Chicago Bears (5-6)
Lions (4-7)
Bears -3
Texans (4-7)
Texans -1.5
If Vegas' predictions for the next two weeks are accurate, the 49ers will be tied with the Cardinals, likely leaving their Week 16 showdown -- and the two teams' respective NFC West matchups in Week 17 -- to determine the NFC's final playoff team.
San Francisco 49ers (7-6)
Arizona Cardinals (7-6)
Minnesota Vikings (6-7)
Chicago Bears (6-7)
But first thing's first, as a 49ers victory over the Bills on Monday Night Football is key for the Niners' hopeful playoff run, as is a Cardinals loss to the Rams on Sunday. So, while you enjoy another Sunday of NFL football, be sure to root for the Rams, Jags, and Lions. And, of course, don't forget the Giants vs. the Seahawks -- just because.
You may have seen Chris Wilson's work on NFL game theory, statistical analysis, and film breakdowns at Minute Media, FanSided, Niner Noise, Insidethe49, LockedonSports, ClutchPoints, and others. Follow Chris on Twitter @cgawilson.
Three quick takeaways from 49ers' 30-23 win over Rams
By Rohan Chakravarthi
Sep 17
The San Francisco 49ers are starting off 2-0 after a 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams on the road, where they pulled away in the second half to secure a victory.
The two sides were engaged in a feisty battle throughout the first half, entering halftime with a 17-17 tie, but the 49ers delivered a strong second half performance to pull away for a comfortable win.
Here are three quick takeaways from San Francisco's 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams.
Kyle Shanahan cooking
For the second consecutive game, I've been impressed with Kyle Shanahan's
3 quick takeaways from 49ers' 30-12 win over the Giants
By Rohan Chakravarthi
Sep 21
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football 30-12, improving to 3-0 with a victory in the home opener at Levi's Stadium.
Following a slower-than-expected start due to some quarterback miscues and longer drives, the 49ers settled in, taking a 17-6 lead going into halftime, which improved to 30-12 by the end of the game.
Here are three quick takeaways from the 49ers' 30-12 win over the New York Giants.
2nd half adjustments
For the second consecutive half, it seemed like the 49ers made the proper second-half adjustments defensively, operating with heavier blitzes and more press-man coverage, which resulted in shorter passes from quarterback Daniel Jones, leading to four punts and an interception in the
PFF's highest- and lowest-graded 49ers players vs. Rams, plus snap counts
By David Bonilla
Sep 18
The San Francisco 49ers improved their record to 2-0 after a 30-23 win against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2. Today, Pro Football Focus released its grades from the game. Which Niners played well, and who has more work to do?
Below are Pro Football Focus' five highest-graded 49ers players on offense against the Rams.
George Kittle, TE, 84.8, 55 snaps
Trent Williams, LT, 83.4, 57 snaps
Jauan Jennings, WR, 77.5, 27 snaps
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 72.3, 30 snaps
Deebo Samuel, WR, 71.7, 51 snaps
Below are the five highest-graded 49ers players on defense.
Nick Bosa, DE, 93.0, 63 snaps
Javon Kinlaw, DT, 83.8, 29 snaps
Fred Warner, LB, 74.7, 80 snaps
Tashaun Gipson
49ers practice and media schedule leading to Week 3 matchup vs. Giants
By Site Staff
Sep 18
The San Francisco 49ers will hold one full practice, a late Tuesday session, this week as the team prepares for its Week 3 matchup against the New York Giants. While it isn't specifically noted below, there will likely be a walk-though on Wednesday.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan, defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, and quarterback Brock Purdy are scheduled to speak with the media. The 49ers will make the press conferences available at 49ers.com, on the team's official mobile app, and YouTube page.
The schedule, which is subject to
