01-01-2025, 07:38 AM
The and faced off in last January, with the 'Hawks prevailing and proceeding to .Predictably, both NFC West powers entered this season with great expectations. Seven weeks in, though, things aren't going as planned for either squad. The just lost their second consecutive game (, no le s), dropping the defending champions to 3-3. Meanwhile, San Francisco was , leaving the 4-3 1.5 games off the ' first-place pace. If the season ended today, . This begs a simple question Lance Lynn Jersey ...Which purported NFC West juggernaut is more likely to mi s the playoffs: Seattle or San Francisco?!Adam Schein The defending champs could be the odd team out in the NFC WestBack in April, when everyone was talking about an emerging dynasty in Seattle, explaining why the would not repeat. And in August, to win the NFC West. Well, I still like the Niners to make the playoffs. And the , too. Beyond , Seattle just hasn't Danny Santana Jersey looked dominant -- not even . The previously stout defense has been pushed around. The offensive line has i sues. The bullies have been out-bullied. That nonsense about is a loser's lament. The didn't because a malcontent was traded. Plus, San Francisco will get , and back for the stretch run. So, yes, there's more cause for concern in Seattle.!Dan Hanzus Beware of a potential implosion in San FranciscoThe are more likely to mi s the playoffs for two simple reasons: 1) They're not as good as the , and 2) it's impo sible to know just how fractured this organization is from within right now. We've seen multiple reports that and his players aren't in a great place, and a team with suspect internal constitution can't take too many blowout lo ses of the sort that we saw . Meanwhile, don't put too much stock in the idea that and will return to save the day. Smith hasn't played a live snap since the preseason, while Bowman is working his way back from a serious knee injury.!Charley Ca serly San Francisco has higher rebound potential going forwardI am not sure either one will mi s the playoffs. Of the two, San Francisco has a better chance to rebound. The main reason is, the will get a number of key players back in the fold as the season goes on. is eligible to return from his nine-game suspension in Week 11, and that ban could even . This defense could use a boost in the pa s rush, as San Francisco with 12 sacks. Meanwhile, continues to rehab Prince Fielder Jersey his surgically repaired knee and should be back in the second half of the season. Fellow linebacker is currently on the shelf with a toe injury, but importantly, doesn't think it's The secondary isn't very strong to begin with, so injuries to guys like and (who both mi sed ) really hurt. Fortunately, they should both be back in short order. On the other side of the ball, the offensive line has battled the injury bug. Consequently, this unit, which has been a huge key to the ' succe s in recent years, has struggled. to a broken leg on Sunday -- that's the Jason Grilli Jersey bad news. The good news? The rest of the O-line should be healthy after a Week 8 bye. Now the group just needs to show more consistency. , for one, has not played as well this year as he has in the past.!Gil Brandt Seahawks could be in danger -- but then, so might the NinersSeattle should pull even with 4-3 San Francisco (which has a bye in Week 8) after beating the -- but ultimately, I think the are more likely to fall short at season's end. The squads are fairly close. The quarterbacks are about even. Seattle's offensive Matt Moore Jersey line is a bit of a weakne s, though San Francisco did just . Both squads have linebackers dealing with toe injuries ( in Seattle; in San Francisco), but the Niners' defense will get a boost . Finally, the ' receiving corps is not as good as San Francisco's. We can't forget about the , who -- provided stays healthy -- are in pretty good shape at 5-1. The truth is, it's conceivable that both the Niners and wind up watching the playoffs from home. Of course, Seattle does still get to play the Niners and the twice, and all three teams still have five home games left, so much of this story has yet to be written.