NFC West recap: 49ers grip begins slipping away

We’re going to have plenty to say about that absolutely putrid performance by the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings. Not just losing, but HOW they lost. Even with the injuries, the way that the defense performed was pretty poor.

Still, they drop to 5-2 and still command the NFC West. As far as playoff seeding is concerned, the Philadelphia Eagles hold a win over the 49ers right now.

And in case you’re wondering, the Vikings are not the Eagles.

The 49ers will have a lot of searching they need to do as they head closer to the bye, but right now, this is shaping up as one of the most disappointing two-losses I’ve seen in some time. The 49ers seasons seem to fall under a usual pattern:

1. Elite, game-changing roster
2. Win against the Rams
3. Injuries to level the playing field
4. Head-scratching losses to take away home field
5. Overreactions that they are not good.
6. Get the team back healthy for a playoff push
7. A second win against the Rams
8. Heartbreaking loss in the postseason

If the past is any indication, we are following the same pattern fans have observed for oh, so long. The 49ers will stop at 5-2, a game up for now

Los Angeles Rams (3-4)

Well, there’s some good this week. The Rams managed to lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are a reminder of more simpler times. Back when many thought the San Francisco 49ers were maybe the best team in football. How long ago that was.

The loss pushes the Rams back and at least keeps them out of the conversation for now. If the 49ers can stop with the losses, the Rams will have a difficult path to be in this divisional conversation.

Seattle Seahawks (4-2)/Arizona Cardinals(1-6)

As one might expect, the Seahawks beat the Arizona Cardinals. As one might also expect, the Cardinals made the game far more competitive than originally thought. The Cardinals are much better than their record indicates, but they are all but out of the race.

The Seahawks, though? That’s going to be something. They have some young blood and have been pulling out wins the way the 49ers stumble into losses. If the 49ers don’t figure things out, even with a healthy team, they very well could play into the Seahawks’ hands on Thanksgiving.

If the 49ers drop one of those games head to head against the Seahawks...

Into Week 8

The 49ers will be hosting the Cincinnati Bengals. While the Bengals are 3-3 they will have enough offense at their disposal to give the 49ers defense some headaches. At least the 49ers defense fans have seen the last few weeks.

The Seahawks host the Cleveland Browns. Dictating teams based on how one did vs the other in the NFL is a horrible take and this is no different. The Browns will be in Seattle and it will be a different atmosphere. Those of you thinking you can gauge how the Seahawks are by the performance against the Browns and comparing it to the 49ers will be disappointed.

The Cardinals host the Baltimore Ravens. That probably could be interesting given the Ravens had to travel cross-country, but I don’t see how Lamar Jackson and company give that one up.

The Rams will go pay the Dallas Cowboys a visit for a 10:00 AM game. This is that one time you root for the Cowboys. That one time. Then brush your teeth when the game’s over.

1st: San Francisco 49ers; Next: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

2nd: Seattle Seahawks; Next: vs Cleveland Browns

3rd: Los Angeles Rams; Next: at Dallas Cowboys

4th: Arizona Cardinals; Next: vs. Baltimore Ravens