Funny, Seattle and AZ have crept back into the playoff picture, seeing as the rest of the NFC has turned into bumbling, stumbling, here-you-take-it-I-don’t-want-it underachievers. Philly’s misbegotten disaster of a season can be saved by winning out, and the Jets beating the Giants, and then the Giants beating the Cowboys. AZ, the Giants, Chi-town, and Seattle all still have life in the playoff hunt. Atl and Deetroit are the ones they are gunning for.

Which brings us to this week’s game. The Niners are still trying to stay tied with NO to gain the bye week. However, the Niners can also dash Seattle’s playoff hopes with a victory in the turd nest in Seattle. So, a win would be doubly cool this Saturday. Thing is, Seattle is red-hot. The 2-6 Seahwaks beat the Ravens. No small feat. They have gone on a 5-1 tear since then. Yeah, they beat sad sacks like StL, but they beat Chicago and Philly pretty easily, but inexplicably lost to Washington. They’ve been winning with strong special teams play, and a tough defense. They gave up 221 yards to Chicago, and held the Rams to 280. They forced 4 turnovers against Philly, and TJackson has been fairly error-free. their special teams has also been strong.

Sounds kind of familiar. I think it’ll come down to protection. Keep Alex clean like last week, and the 49ers should be fine. Philly ran in them fairly well, and we should be able to as well. Get pressure on TJ, and he’ll make mistakes.  This being said, you KNOW Pete Carroll is gunning like a mad man for this game. he wants to knock Harbaugh down a peg or two as he tries to get HIS team back on the relevancy map. A win for him this Saturday would definitely do that, even if the Hawks don;t make the playoffs. Their shot is slim anyway, but for Harbaugh to be the one to put the dagger in would be all the more sweet.

27-13 Niners. They find their way back into the end zone.