If you thought the San Francisco 49ers’ 20-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks last week was bad, this week’s 38-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers almost has us looking to 2025. Almost.

Let’s be clear: them can make the play-offs. The 49ers are 5-6 and just one game back in the NFC West. Just one problem: Two other teams are one game ahead and each have a win over the 49ers. There are also the Los Angeles Rams, with whom the 49ers are affiliated. The Rams are also coming off a win over the 49ers.

The situation is getting closer to the point where the 49ers can no longer control their destiny. Looking at the schedule going forward, things don’t get any easier after Green Bay as the 49ers face the Buffalo Bills next. In Buffalo.

In other words. The 49ers are circling the drain.

The 49ers are a shadow of their former selves, and it’s getting to that point now. It’s not quite “The Search for Choice No. 6,” but we’re getting there.

Seattle Seahawks (6-5)/Arizona Cardinals (6-5)

Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks’ 16-6 win over the Arizona Cardinals puts them at 6-5 on the season and back at the top of the NFC West. As for the game itself? Well, it was close. Until midway through the third quarter, Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray threw a floater pick-six. The missed extra point put the Seahawks up 13–3, and it stayed that way until the fourth quarter within ten minutes. A field goal with six minutes left gave the Cardinals three more points, and the Seahawks eventually responded with a field goal of their own.

Murray finished the day 24-37 with no touchdowns and an interception.

The Seahawks took care of business, but I wouldn’t say either team was inspiring. Then again, I’m a fan of the team currently in fourth place, so I have no room to talk.

The win moves the Seahawks to 6-5 and into a tie with the Cardinals. It also gives them the tiebreaker, putting them back on top of the NFC West.

Beautiful.

Los Angeles Rams (5-6)

The Rams made it a half game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Then the third quarter hit and Saquon Barkley started the Eagles’ first offensive play. After that, the Eagles never looked back. Before you know it it was 27-14 at the end of the third quarter and the Eagles kept scoring. The final score was 37-20.

So the Rams are 5-6, and the 49ers are 5-6. The Rams hold the tiebreaker for third place. Like the 49ers, they’re on the outside looking in, but unlike the 49ers, they only have one division loss, so they’re further into the mix of things.

If you’re a Rams fan, the Philadelphia game doesn’t inspire much confidence, but if we’re talking postseason, the Rams currently have a better chance than the 49ers.

On to week 13

It’s a road warrior-esque week for the NFC West, with all teams hitting the road.

The 49ers are running on fumes. The last gasp comes against the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo. The 49ers have yet to beat a team with a winning record outside of the Seahawks in Week 6. A loss here pretty much causes us to make mock draws.

The Seattle Seahawks travel to the other side of the country to take on the New York Jets. The Jets are in a mess right now, which will tell us if the Seahawks can maintain this lead or be surprised.

The Cardinals go to Minnesota to play the Vikings. If the 49ers find themselves in a tiebreaker scenario again, a Cardinals victory over the Vikings would play a role in it. Minnesota is notoriously tough to play, and Kyler Murray didn’t look that good this week.

The Rams travel to New Orleans to take on the Saints. The Saints are coming back from a bye and are not in a good position as they sit at 4-7, with their only win coming over a winning team, the Atlanta Falcons.

1st: Seattle Seahawks; Next: at New York Jets

2nd: Arizona Cardinals; Next: om Minnesota Vikings

3rd: Los Angeles Rams; Next: om New Orleans Saints

4th: San Francisco 49ers; Next: at the Buffalo Bills