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The NFC playoff picture just got a whole lot fuzzier. We know who some of the best teams are in the conference, but we don’t know exactly where they will be situation. It’s a tricky puzzle that’s going to take a whole lot more time to sort out.
The Seahawks went into Levi’s Stadium and upended the 49ers in overtime, with Jason Myers drilling a game-wining field goal to secure the 27-24 victory. With the win, the Seahawks improve to 8-2, while the loss drops the 49ers to 8-1. Seattle heads into a bye in Week 11, and the 49ers host the Cardinals.
The 49ers remain on top of the NFC, a half game up on the Packers, and a full game up on the Saints. Green Bay rebounded from a loss to the Chargers by holding off the Panthers. Meanwhile, the Saints were stunned at home by the one-win Falcons. The Packers head into their bye this week, while the Saints look to rebound with a road game against the Buccaneers.
Even if the 49ers had won on Monday, they still face a gauntlet down the stretch. After hosting Arizona, the 49ers host Green Bay, travel to New Orleans, and travel to Baltimore. They could win all or none of those games, and it really would not be a shocking development. Losing to Seattle stings, but they won’t have much time to lick their wounds before going through this buzz saw. And it’s not like Arizona is a push-over before then.
It all sets up what could be an epic Week 17 contest up in Seattle between the 49ers and Seahawks with the winner laying claim to the NFC West, and maybe a first round bye.