The NFC Wild Card race is pretty much down to two teams in the 49ers and Saints heading into Week 18. A win for the 49ers would send them to the playoffs but a San Fran loss and a New Orleans win would send Sean Payton’s team to the postseason yet again. There is only one spot left and I’m sure both these teams would like to play some extra football.
The 49ers face a tough Rams team on Sunday and if they win, they’d guarantee themselves a playoff spot and could help the Cardinals clinch the division. Jimmy Garoppolo is not 100 % fit and that could mean Trey Lance starting for Kyle Shanahan. Lance, the rookie, played really well in the 9ers win against the Texans. Also, they ran the ball really well with Eli Mitchell in that ballgame. Both the run and pass game will have to be really good to beat a Rams team which is hot.
My prediction for the 49ers vs Rams game at SoFi Stadium is 17-31 to the Rams. This team is on a 5 game winning streak and things are going better for them. They got fuel in their tanks after that giant win against the Cards in Arizona and since then, it’s been a great run for them. Their defense has stepped up and given them a good chance to win the division. Matt Stafford has thrown 5 picks in the last two games and lost a fumble which is not good at all for the Rams. But still because of amazing defense they eked out wins at Minnesota and at Baltimore. I think the offense will bounce back and make it tough for the San Francisco defense. To me right now, the Rams seem like the better team all around. They look like a really strong Super Bowl contender for me.
The other team which hopes to make the playoffs faces a Falcons team which they can win against. The Saints need to win and considering the form the Rams are in, they might get a playoff spot and the 49ers out. I think the Saints are going to win 24-20. The Saints haven’t had a great season, but the Atlanta Falcons are a team they can beat. The Falcons did beat them at the Dome back in November but now the Saints look more organized and are playing better. Their defense is hard to beat, they can use Taysom Hill, and thankfully for them, rookie Tight End of the Falcons might miss the game. I don’t expect the 49ers to win against LA so the Saints should try to beat their division rivals and not lose to Matt Ryan’s 7-9 team. The Saints know what’s at stake in this must win game for them to hopefully make the playoffs.
Considering what team the Saints play and considering what team the 49ers play, right now I’d favor the New Orlean Saints to make the playoffs. Also, if the Rams lose and the Arizona Cardinals win against Seattle, the Cards will win the division. A lot is at stake in the NFC as the Saints need to win to even have a chance of the playoffs. But my biggest question, can the 49ers upset the LA Rams on the road?
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