49ers make surprising leap in NFC West by beating Seahawks

The 49ers, previously winless in the NFC West entering Week 6, suddenly find themselves first in the division after beating the Seahawks.

The last time the San Francisco 49ers owned the top spot in the NFC West was after their Week 1 victory over the New York Jets, which simply meant they were tied with the Seattle Seahawks, who also won their regular-season opener.

Of course, since that point, the Niners dropped two divisional games, a frustrating collapse against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3 and another sweltering defeat against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5.

That made Thursday Night Football's contest against the previously division-leading Seahawks a vital one.

With a 36-24 victory in prime time to kick off Week 6, San Francisco finds itself with a 3-3 record, now the same as the Hawks' own.

However, given the tiebreaker, a head-to-head victory over Seattle gives the 49ers the NFC West lead.

For now.

NFC West standings in Week 6: 49ers claim 1st place

The Niners' victory sends them to the top of the division despite owning a 0-2 record entering Week 6 in third place.

1. San Francisco 49ers (3-3)
2. Seattle Seahawks (3-3)
3. Arizona Cardinals (2-3)*
4. Los Angeles Rams (1-4)+

* yet to play Week 6 game; + Week 6 bye

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Had San Francisco lost, it would have dropped to third place in the division, only above LA, while the Hawks would have held onto their NFC West lead.

Granted, there's plenty of regular season left, but at least the 49ers can feel better about dropping even further in the division after Thursday's victory.

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