San Francisco 49ers: Top 5 storylines to watch over second half of 2019
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: How the NFC West, Playoff Picture Shape Up
The 49ers control their own destiny in the second half, which is the best position to be in when looking at the playoff picture.
That said, scoreboard watching has already started. San Francisco had to be a bit disappointed in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers not being able to knock off the Seahawks last week, ensuring Seattle stayed 1.5 games behind the Niners in the NFC West and two games back in the loss column.
San Francisco 49ers
On a plus note, though, the Green Bay Packers lost, which could have a significant impact in determining NFC playoff seeding this year.
For now, though, the NFC West is as follows:
- 49ers (8-0)
- Seahawks (7-2)
- Rams (5-3)
- Cardinals (3-5-1)
It’s always a safe argument, if you want to make the playoffs, handle your own within your division. So far, the Niners are 2-0 against NFC West opponents. Despite being feisty this season, the Cardinals are essentially out of the playoff picture.
The Rams, whom San Francisco beat back in Week 6, are entering desperation mode, especially considering how deep the NFC is this year and how big the premium is on Wild Card spots.
Only the Seahawks realistically stand as a challenge to Kyle Shanahan and Co. And with two games between the 49ers and Seattle still pending, there are going to be some major implications when these two teams play.
Power ranking 49ers' top 10 players halfway through 2019. dark. Next
Yet if the Niners can maintain a winning record in the second half, hopefully getting some help along the way, the question whether or not they secure the division will no longer be in doubt.
And even a No. 1 seed in the postseason could be a reality.