NFC West: How 7-9 Just Might Be Good Enough To Get It Done in the Division

This season, the NFC West has been one of the most laughable, yet compelling divisions in the league. Every team is subject to being blown away and the entire division could be swept in any given week, including last week.

At midseason, it appeared the Cardinals may be the team to turn things around. After a loss to the Panthers brought them to 4-10, the Cardinals are the only team in the West that does not have a shot at going to the playoffs this season.

One game separates the first-place 6-8 Rams and Seahawks from the third-place 5-9 49ers. Many doubted a team would win the division at 8-8 even a few short weeks ago, but now a team would have to win out to do so.

The Rams have two division games remaining, one against San Francisco and one against Seattle. The 49ers play the Rams and Cardinals, while the Seahawks play the Buccaneers and Rams. With so many division games involving teams with playoff chances, each team virtually controls their own destiny. With that being said, let's take a look at how the playoffs can become a reality for each team in the running.

How the Rams Can Get In

The Rams are currently in first place in the division. They hold the tiebreaker over Seattle and are currently a game ahead of the 49ers. If the season ended today, obviously they would be the team sent to represent the division.

Next week, they take on the 49ers. In their first meeting, the 49ers came away with a narrow overtime victory. The Rams may hold the tiebreaker over Seattle, but they don't hold the tiebreaker over the 49ers, as the 49ers have a better record within the division and won the first matchup, making it impossible for the Rams to come out ahead in the first tiebreaker. A Rams loss next week would make St. Louis rely on the Cardinals to beat the 49ers in order to give them a playoff berth.

Next week may not be a must-win, but it would make the division a two-horse race. The Rams still could have the season come down to the last game, regardless of the results Week 16 produces. The Rams and Seahawks could be in a position to take the division when the face off at Qwest field in Week 17. There is no possible scenario that would allow the Rams to take the division if they lose in Seattle.

How the Seahawks Can Get In

The Seahawks need to win against the Buccaneers this week. A win coupled with a Rams loss to the 49ers would give the Seahawks a playoff berth with a win in Week 17 or a 49ers loss. If they lose, they can still go to the playoffs, but only if the Rams lose to the 49ers and the 49ers lose to the Cardinals.

Like the Rams and 49ers, the Seahawks cannot go to the playoffs without a Week 17 victory. If they lose to the Rams in Week 17, the Rams automatically win the division as long as the 49ers don't win back-to-back games.

The Seahawks and Rams both completely control their own destiny. While it is likely the 49ers will earn a spot in the playoffs by finishing with two wins, the Seahawks and Rams would guarantee themselves a spot at the top. The Seahawks don't need to take out the Buccaneers to go to the playoffs, but if they lose, they would benefit from a 49ers loss. They could play their way into the playoffs by taking out St. Louis in Week 17 if the Rams win in Week 16, but will need to rely on the Cardinals if the 49ers come away with a victory.

How the 49ers Can Get In

The 49ers need to win out. Fortunately for the 49ers, they hold the tiebreaker on every team in the division. If the 49ers win in St. Louis and the Seahawks lose to Tampa Bay, they will be in first place in the division heading into the last game of the season.

The 49ers cannot win the division if they lose in either week. That being said, they can only be bounced out after finishing 2-0 if the Seahawks also finish 2-0. The Seahawks will likely be underdogs in both games, so dropping at least one game is not out of the question.

The 49ers could still go to the playoffs if the Seahawks win next week and the Rams win in the final game of the season. They need to rely on the Rams and Buccaneers to take out the Seahawks in at least one matchup, but are otherwise in complete control.

Who Wins?

The Seahawks may have the least chance to win the division, despite having the most playoff scenarios. The Seahawks have lost four of their last five games, with all of their losses coming by double-digit margins and their only win coming against the Panthers.

The Seahawks could seemingly win the division with one solid victory over the Rams in Week 17 at home and one minor 49er slip-up. Next week will be a bit more challenging, as they are playing away from the comfort of Qwest field.

The 49ers face an uphill battle, as they have to travel into St. Louis to take on the Rams. The 49ers are coming off a blowout loss and only squeaked by the Rams in their first meeting. The Rams are much better at home and will likely provide even stiffer competition.

They also are the only team of the three that has no wiggle room whatsoever. One loss and the 49ers are out. They may have called last week's game a must-win, but both of their upcoming games are truly must-wins.

They have already beaten both teams they are set to face, while the Seahawks and Rams both have teams remaining on their schedule that they have lost to in the past.

The Rams may have the easiest rode to the playoffs. While they have been miserable on the road this season, taking out the Seahawks in the last game of the season looks like an easier task every week. The Rams face a tougher challenge when they take on the 49ers, but that game is very winnable.

All that being said, it looks like the Rams have the best chance of winning. They will likely be favored in both games and would win the division if they finish 2-0. The Seahawks are playing the worst football of all three teams and they face the most difficult schedule. While the 49ers have beaten both teams they will face, they are inconsistent, have to take on the Rams on the road and don't completely control their own destiny.

The NFC West is the worst division in football, but any division where there are three contenders and three division games remaining going into Week 16 is worth watching.