However slim the chance, the Niners, without having to win the division, can still make the playoffs.  Of course it involves winning out, but it is a possibility.  We can only assume Green Bay has one of the wildcard spots, but looking at who will be fighting for the remaining spot, the Niners, with a miracle, can steal it away.  It pretty much comes down to the Falcons, Giants, Eagles, Cowboys and San Fran.  The Falcons probably have the easiest path, but they have about as much room for error as the Niners, and the health of their key players is in question.  As for the NFC East teams, I feel we really need the Eagles to win the division (with of course losing to San Fran).  Dallas' remaining games include the undefeated Saints (in New Orleans), the Redskins (who should have beat Dallas in their place, save for 2 missed field goals) and Philly, and history has shown how horrible this core group of Dallas players perform in December.  The Giants remaining schedule includes an at Washington (who played them close at NY), home against the Panthers (you never know about Carolina) and at Minnesota (who I hope actually plays their starters).  If the Giants lose to Philly tonight, we just need them to lose one more.

Now if we end up at 9-7, Atlanta loses one more game, and the 2nd place NFC East team ends up 9-7, the 49ers would hold the tie breaker with conference record, which means playoffs baby!!!! (No, I am not on drugs lol)

Of course, everything starts with Monday Night, so come on Niners and rally to beat down the Cards, and remember, anything can happen...

P.S. After some of the shady, one-sided officiating (i.e. last Sunday and against the Vikings), the NFL needs to do their best to make this happen :)