49ers vs. Seahawks: Not a Must-Win Game For Seattle
By Todd Pheifer
Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Admittedly, the showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers on Sunday is a big game. However, this is not one of those “must win” situations.
Certainly there are competitive elements at stake. If the Seahawks win, they will clinch the NFC West title and continue their quest for home field advantage throughout the playoffs. A win would also make a definitive statement about which franchise in the NFC West is the team to beat.
That said, it would not be the end of the dream if Seattle lost. The 49ers are still an extremely talented team, and if they won on Sunday it would certainly not be a shock. San Francisco is 8-4, including 4-2 at home. CenturyLink Field may have the loudest fans in the NFL, but you have to imagine that the fans at Candlestick Park will be revved up for this game.
Thankfully, Russell Wilson will most likely be going through his calm, methodical preparation leading up to the game.
There is also the element of humility, which in small doses can keep confidence from becoming arrogance. A loss to the 49ers would be a reminder that there is still a great deal of work to do. Right now the Seahawks are rolling, particularly after they decimated the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football.
However, the ‘Hawks finish the season with three divisional foes. After the 49ers, you have to assume that the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals would love to play the role of spoiler. Then, the real work begins as the Seahawks will be facing some very talented squads as they continue their quest for a Super Bowl win.
A win on Sunday would be great, and it would put the Seahawks in the oft-mentioned “driver’s seat.” Still, a loss can be overcome. A loss could provide one last bit of motivation to work on the little things and get ready for the postseason.