NFC West Team Officially Clinches A Playoff Spot With Thursday Night Victory
On Thursday Night, an NFC West team secured a spot in the playoffs after beating a familiar foe in the same conference. So what is the outlook for this NFC West winner in the playoffs?
The Wild, Wild NFC West Clinched
An all-time great NFC West battle took place on Thursday Night Football. Familiar foes, Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers, took the field in what could be a game the 49ers clinch a playoff spot. But, for San Francisco to win, they would have to do it with Brock Purdy at the helm, a once-practice squad quarterback.
San Francisco held off a late push from the Seahawks to improve to 10-4 on the season. With the win, they extended their win streak to seven games with a massive win over a usual thorn in their side, the Seattle Seahawks. They also clinched a spot in the playoffs by securing the NFC West title. This NFC West clincher is the earliest the San Francisco 49ers have clinched the title since 2011, which was also the last year they swept the Seahawks and something they have done this year.
Can The West Win The NFC?
Let’s get to the fun part. Where does this put the 49ers in the playoffs? How likely are they to make it to the Super Bowl? The 49ers are currently third in the NFC standings as it sits behind the Minnesota Vikings. The odds of them jumping to the number one spot is very unlikely, given that the Eagles have a relatively easy schedule for the rest of the year. However, they can compete for the number two spot against the Vikings.
If San Francisco can sneak into the second seed, it will be a massive victory as they gain a week of much-needed rest before bringing back Jimmy Garoppolo. News broke that Garoppolo can appear before seasons end if it all lines up perfectly. However, sources told Adam Schefter, Garoppolo could miss seven to eight weeks while doing rehab. If the seven-week window is correct, that will put Jimmy back under center by the NFC Divisional round in the playoffs. In addition, this extra week gives the 49ers a great chance at competing in the Super Bowl.
Jimmy Garoppolo does not need foot surgery and could return in 7-8 weeks during playoffs if rehab goes well, per @AdamSchefter pic.twitter.com/pk8twiyD75 — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 6, 2022
A huge question is whether they choose Jimmy over Brock Purdy. As of late, Brock Purdy has been great for the 49ers; he is not putting the team in dire situations, which is all you can ask for a quarterback that was drafted with the last pick this past April. Although Christian McCaffrey has looked like his 2019 self these previous two games, which has been a tremendous help for Purdy.
The Bottom Line
Getting that second-seed and first-round bye will be crucial if the 49ers want to make a late playoff push. It not only would give the Niners rest, but it would also give time for Jimmy Garoppolo to return. Even though I like Brock Purdy, we have seen time and time again how valuable veterans and experience is in the playoffs. Jimmy Garoppolo gives this team the best chance to succeed.
The Niners can go toe to toe with anyone because of the defense they have. It will be challenging to beat that powerhouse in Philadelphia, but if any team can do it, it’s the San Francisco 49ers.
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