49ers have on playoff blinders, but don't be surprised if they see the Rams again
The Los Angeles Rams beat the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round, earning them a No. 6 seed and a Wild Card round matchup against the Detroit Lions next weekend.
The 49ers, as the No. 1 seed, will have a week off to rest and prepare for a potential rematch against the Rams. They will be paying attention to the outcomes of other Wild Card games as well. [ more ]
Rams roundtable: Will 49ers sit their starters? Playoff date ahead in Detroit?
The Rams held on to defeat the New York Giants on the road when Mason Crosby, who was a member of the Rams for a week, missed a potential game-winning 54-yard field goal in the waning seconds.
7 49ers backups who could get big opportunity in Week 18
The San Francisco 49ers have secured the #1 seed in the NFC for the 10th time in franchise history.
The 49ers' game against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18 will be played on Sunday, January 7, with kickoff scheduled for 1:25 PT at Levi's Stadium. [ more ]
49ers mailbag: Jason Verrett? Sam Darnold? Who'll see a heavier workload Sunday?
The 49ers are locked into the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, while the Rams' seeding depends on the outcomes of their game and the Green Bay Packers-Chicago Bears game.
The 49ers will rest their starters in the final regular-season game, giving backup and role players a chance to take on heavier workloads. [ more ]
Sean McVay reveals secrets behind drafting Puka Nacua and Rams catching fire
(Gary Klein / Los Angeles Times)
In October, four games into his burgeoning NFL career, Rams receiver Puka Nacua and a group of other rookies made a team-sponsored appearance at Hollywood High.
Steelers S Minkah Fitzpatrick says he'll play if Pittsburgh makes playoffs
The Pittsburgh Steelers are waiting to see if they will make the playoffs after winning their game against the Baltimore Ravens.
If the Steelers make the playoffs, they will be without outside linebacker T.J. Watt due to a potential torn MCL, but safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will be available to return. [ more ]
How Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers can toe the rest-vs.-rust line in Sunday's finale
The San Francisco 49ers are facing 'first-seed problems' as they navigate roster management and prepare for the playoffs.
The 49ers have been able to maintain better overall health and roster flexibility compared to last year, when they had more injuries and had already used up all their injured reserve designations by this point. [ more ]
Questions linger for 'battle-tested' Cowboys ahead of playoffs
Todd Archer, ESPN Staff WriterJan 1, 2024, 06:00 AM ET Close Todd Archer is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the Dallas Cowboys.Archer has covered the NFL since 1997 and Dallas since 2003.
Raiders have Russell Wilson-themed troll after defeating the Broncos
The final week of the 2023 NFL regular season had playoff implications for several teams, leading to some intense trolling.
The Pittsburgh Steelers trolled the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New Orleans Saints trolled the Atlanta Falcons after they secured important victories. [ more ]
Scoreboard Watching: Steelers Playoff Fate Live Thread
Pittsburgh Steelers' playoff hopes depend on two specific outcomes: the Jacksonville Jaguars losing or tying the Tennessee Titans and the Buffalo Bills losing to the Miami Dolphins.
Former Steelers and Titans wide receiver Nate Washington will be present at the Tennessee Titans' game, potentially serving as a good luck charm. [ more ]
49ers' Brock Purdy: The competitor in me wanted to play vs. Rams
Brock Purdy, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback, wanted to play in the team's regular-season finale but was ultimately sat out by head coach Kyle Shanahan.
The outcome of the game won't affect the 49ers' playoff positioning, as they have already secured the top seed in the NFC.
Purdy was mentally challenged by the decision to sit out and had to mentally prepare as if he were playing despite knowing he wouldn't take a snap. [ more ]
How securing the No. 1 seed early impacted Kyle Shanahan's plan for 49ers-Rams
Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers initially felt a sense of relief when the Arizona Cardinals upset the Philadelphia Eagles, securing their home-field advantage in the playoffs.
However, Shanahan quickly realized that resting his starters for the final regular-season game against the Los Angeles Rams was not an option due to logistical challenges and the limited number of players who could be activated from the practice squad. [ more ]
What changes would you make if you were starting MLB from scratch?
What if in 2023, the NBA, NFL and NHL existed but there was no baseball?If you were starting MLB from scratch today, how different would it be from what we watch currently?
Charvarius Ward: No. 1 seed is not 49ers' main goal
The San Francisco 49ers have secured the No. 1 seed, first-round bye, and home-field advantage in the playoffs after the Arizona Cardinals upset the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 49ers are focused on winning the Super Bowl and believe they have a championship roster. [ more ]
Here's The Pittsburgh Steelers Week 18 Path To The Playoffs
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to win or tie against the Baltimore Ravens in order to have a chance at making the playoffs in Week 18.
The outcomes of the Buffalo Bills-Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars-Tennessee Titans games will also impact the Steelers' playoff chances. [ more ]
'Gonna Be A Blood Bath:' LB Mykal Walker Can't Wait To Face Ravens
Did you expect anything else?When the NFL released the 2023 schedule in May, you knew Week 18, Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, would mean something to someone.
Browns fans manage to make the Jets game about the Steelers
Cleveland Browns fans needed something to be happy about, and they'll get it in the form of a playoff spot for their team when the clock strikes zero in tonight's game versus the New York Jets.