NFL Week 12 Prediction: Five Reasons Why Niners Are Still Playoff Contenders
On Monday Night Football in week 12, the 3-7 San Francisco 49ers travel to Arizona to take on the 3-7 Cardinals.
On the surface, this looks like a horrible game, one that ESPN probably wishes they didn't have to show.
But, the fact is that this game can still affect the race for the NFC West.
Currently, the Seattle Seahawks hold a division lead with a 5-5 record. That is certainly not an insurmountable lead.
If the 49ers can win this game, they can actually claw their way back into the playoff race. Here are five reasons a win can lead to the playoffs for the 49ers.
Remaining Schedule
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The 49ers have six games left, five against opponents with records at .500 or worse.
Their toughest game will be at Green Bay, but if they can win the other five games on their schedule, they could sneak into the playoffs at 8-8.
They still have a game at San Diego too, but if they can force the Chargers into making mistakes, something they've been prone to this year, they can pull off a victory.
Remaining Division Schedule
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Of the 49ers' six remaining games, four come against NFC West opponents.
They still have a realistic shot at going 5-1 in the NFC West.
If they manage to do that, it'll be hard for the Seahawks to hold onto their division lead.
It all starts on Monday night against the Cardinals though. A win there and they are in good shape, a loss dooms their season for good.
Mike Singletary
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Mike Singletary is probably coaching for his job. So, look for him to try some new things these last few weeks to try to light a fire under his team.
If Singletary doesn't finish these last six games with a record of 4-2 or better, he will probably be shown the door in San Francisco.
Therefore, look for the playbook to be opened up for the rest of the year and look for the defense to be playing with a new intensity.
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Frank Gore
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Frank Gore should play a big role in the 49ers offense down the stretch.
He'll eclipse the 1,000 yard mark this year barring any injury, but he needs to score more touchdowns.
The 49ers could use more productivity from him in the red zone to take pressure off of young quarterback Troy Smith.
Troy Smith
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The problem with the 49ers early in the season was that they had the wrong Smith playing quarterback.
The Alex Smith era in San Francisco is probably over now that Troy Smith has played effectively this season.
While the 49ers still shouldn't pass on a Ryan Mallett or a Jake Locker in the draft this offseason, Troy Smith at least looks like he can hold down the fort for a year or two.
We'll have to see whether he can keep the job by finishing the year on a big winning streak.
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