For the 1st time this season, the Arizona Cardinals will not be playing as the leader of the division. The injuries have seemed to finally catch up with the Cardinals and unfortunately, there doesn’t seem like any help is on the way. Since all six playoff spots in the NFC have been filled, this week will all be about seeding. So without further ado, let’s get right to the NFC West Week 17 Game Previews:
Seattle Seahawks (11-4) vs St Louis Rams (6-9) +13
The Seahawks finally have gotten to their rightful spot as the top team in the NFC West and probably the top team in the NFC altogether. They will clinch homefield throughout the NFC playoffs with a win, barring a Green Bay-Detroit tie. If the Packers-Lions game does end in a tie, they will still get homefield throughout with loss from Dallas. The only way that we will see the Seahawks playing next week is if they lose and the Cardinals win.
The Rams have fought tough all year, but they will finish the year under .500 and questions regarding numerous starting positions will be asked throughout the offseason. Whether it’s the starting QB, who will be the starting WRs, or who will be calling the plays, one thing is for sure, the Rams have a good defense and they fight for their coach Jeff Fisher. They will try to end the season as the spoiler for what Seattle will be looking at as their divisional crown coronation.
It’s really a little crazy to think that a team that has been playing defense like the Rams are a 13 point underdog, especially in a divisional game, but when you realize how great the Rams are playing, you get it. Seattle should win this game and should do it the way they’ve been beating everyone lately, by pounding the run game and playing lights-out defense. The Rams can keep it close, and I think they will cover the spread, but it’s tough to bet or go against the Seahawks against anyone right now.
Prediction: Seahawks 24, Rams 13
Arizona Cardinals (11-4) at San Francisco 49ers (7-8) -6.5
The Cardinals have the same record as Seattle, but they are essentially in 2nd place and need a Seattle loss to win the division, and to get a 1st round bye. They actually still have an outside shot of homefield throughout, but they would need losses by both Seattle and Green Bay, along with winning in San Francisco this Sunday. They hoped to have Drew Stanton back this week, but an infection was detected on Wednesday and he was immediately rushed to surgery to clear it. However, that surgery may now keep him out the remainder of the season.
The San Francisco 49ers are now creating new ways to lose. Last Saturday, they had the San Diego Chargers dead and out of the playoffs as they led 28-7 at the half and 35-21 with just over 5 mins to go in the game, but ended up losing in overtime 38-35. The Niners now are one game away from having an offseason of questions that start with their coach Jim Harbaugh, who has been offered a 6 year 48 million dollar offer from the Michigan Wolverines. That decision should set off a domino of moves that will shape the future of the franchise
As far as this game is concerned, the Cardinals obviously need it more than the 49ers, but with them starting Ryan Lindley and having him be backup up by Logan Thomas, the Cardinals just don’t have a QB that can move the ball. I honestly can’t see them finding the end zone more than once and that would even be a bit of a surprise. If the 49ers find a way to lose this game, there may be more changes that just the QB waiting for them i their offseason. This will be the game where you can see if players are thinking about their offseason vacation plans.
Prediction: Cardinals 13, 49ers 23
