NFC West playoff race, scenarios, odds: Dark horse 49ers lurking behind Super Bowl favorite Rams and Seahawks

If these two things happen, the 49ers would finish 13-4 and win the NFC West over a 13-4 Rams team based on the division record tiebreaker. If the Seahawks also finish 13-4 in this scenario, the 49ers would have swept them, so they'd win any tiebreaker with Seattle. At 7-to-1 odds to win the NFC West, the 49ers feel like a steal.

Analyst lays out Seahawks’ dilemma going into stretch run for NFL playoffs

The Seahawks have won as many games as they did a year ago, as have the reigning NFC West champion. An eventual rematch with the Rams is the key to the season.

NFL playoff picture: Patriots, Broncos, Rams can each clinch playoff berths in Week 15

Notable odds: The Rams are essentially a lock to make the playoffs (97% odds on NFL.com), but they are still in a very tight race with the Seahawks and 49ers in the NFC West. The No. 1 seed isn't a lock by any means but the Rams are the favorites, per The Athletic's playoff odds, at 48%.

NFL Week 15 picks: Seahawks throttle Colts in Philip Rivers' return; Bengals and Broncos pull off upsets

The Packers are coming off a last-second win over the Chicago Bears, wh ich thrust them back atop the NFC North and the No. 2 seed in the NFC. They've garnered tons of momentum with that victory, which, if you've been paying attention to the Packers this season, is exactly the time they give it all back with a loss.

Colts vs. Seahawks prediction: Odds, expert picks, QB matchup, injury update, betting trends, and stats

The Colts are looking to avoid becoming the 6th team since the 1970 Merger to miss the playoffs after starting 7-1 or better through 8 games (2012 Bears, 1996 Washington, 1988 Saints, 1987 Chargers, 1975 Dolphins) Lets take a deeper dive into this week’s matchup between the two teams seemingly headed in opposite directions.

NFL Week 15 preview: Bills' final chance, Rams' one potential weakness, prayers for Philip Rivers

Next, Nate & Charles dive into their Slop Watch picks, including Philip Rivers and the Indianapolis Colts taking on the monster Seattle Seahawks defense and the Miami Dolphins trying to play spoiler Pittsburgh Steelers.

NFL playoff picture week 15: Bucs' loss to Falcons pushes Panthers atop NFC South

What just happened? What does it mean? What are the pertinent factors (and, perhaps, tiebreakers) prominently in play as each conference's seven-team bracket begins to crystallize? All will be explained and analyzed up to the point when the postseason field is finalized on Sunday,

Buccaneers vs. Falcons prediction, odds, start time: Week 15 'Thursday Night Football' picks by advanced model

The SportsLine Projection Model has revealed its Tampa Bay vs. Atlanta picks for 'Thursday Night Football' in Week 15
Feedback