[teejers1]

The Niners wanted the Rams to beat the Vikings (Rams won), Giants to beat the Eagles (didn't happen), Cowboys over WFT (Cowboys won big), Lions over the Falcons (didn't happen) and Dolphins over the Saints (tonight at New Orleans, Dolphins favored by 3). Eagles routed the Giants, sliding into the #7, final wild card slot.

MSNBC's Steve Kornacki gave the Niners an 87% playoff chance prior to those games.  If both teams finish 9-8, the Niners have the advantage due to the week 2 win over the Eagles.

Rams beat the Vikings and the Cardinals lost to the Colts, putting the Rams in the division lead.  The Cardinals are 10-5, but on a three game slide. Niners can't leapfrog the Cardinals because the Cards swept the Niners.

So in sum, these five teams have clinched an NFC playoff spot:

Packers, Rams, Bucs, Cowboys, Cardinals.

Two spots are open, currently occupied by the 49ers and Eagles, both 8-7.

Other contenders are Saints (7-7), Vikings and Falcons (both 7-8), WFT (6-8).

Next week, Niners have the 4-11 Texans at home, then play at the Rams.  Be nice and smart if the Rams rest their starters.

I remain nervous about the Niners' chances.  New Orleans sweeping I think is going to happen (think Book is a gamer and will do at least reasonably well tonight).  Hope I'm wrong.

Also a bit concerned that when Philly plays the Cowboys, the latter will be in "rest players" mode for playoff game the following week.  

As stated previously, I hope the 'Niners finish 9-8 (just don't see them beating the Rams, even if they need it to get to 9-8).  But even with that, they will need some help.  Also, I think the SF is the WC team most feared by the division leaders, meaning they will not give them any help down the stretch.  Losing to Tennessee (as well as as few other games that SF could easily have had) may come back to bite them.  Badly.

[teejers1]

The Niners wanted the Rams to beat the Vikings (Rams won), Giants to beat the Eagles (didn't happen), Cowboys over WFT (Cowboys won big), Lions over the Falcons (didn't happen) and Dolphins over the Saints (tonight at New Orleans, Dolphins favored by 3). Eagles routed the Giants, sliding into the #7, final wild card slot.

MSNBC's Steve Kornacki gave the Niners an 87% playoff chance prior to those games.  If both teams finish 9-8, the Niners have the advantage due to the week 2 win over the Eagles.

Rams beat the Vikings and the Cardinals lost to the Colts, putting the Rams in the division lead.  The Cardinals are 10-5, but on a three game slide. Niners can't leapfrog the Cardinals because the Cards swept the Niners.

So in sum, these five teams have clinched an NFC playoff spot:

Packers, Rams, Bucs, Cowboys, Cardinals.

Two spots are open, currently occupied by the 49ers and Eagles, both 8-7.

Other contenders are Saints (7-7), Vikings and Falcons (both 7-8), WFT (6-8).

Next week, Niners have the 4-11 Texans at home, then play at the Rams.  Be nice and smart if the Rams rest their starters.

I remain nervous about the Niners' chances.  New Orleans sweeping I think is going to happen (think Book is a gamer and will do at least reasonably well tonight).  Hope I'm wrong.

Also a bit concerned that when Philly plays the Cowboys, the latter will be in "rest players" mode for playoff game the following week.  

As stated previously, I hope the 'Niners finish 9-8 (just don't see them beating the Rams, even if they need it to get to 9-8).  But even with that, they will need some help.  Also, I think the SF is the WC team most feared by the division leaders, meaning they will not give them any help down the stretch.  Losing to Tennessee (as well as as few other games that SF could easily have had) may come back to bite them.  Badly.