2022 Season Thread

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

DEEBO SAMUEL
WR, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters he expects Deebo Samuel (ankle) to miss "three-ish" weeks.

That puts him on track to get some time in the Week 18 finale, but makes him pointless to continue rostering in most season-long leagues. It was always likely trending this way, but if the coach can't feign optimism on it, there's no reason to spend a roster spot on him if your league ends before Week 18. Samuel reportedly has a sprained MCL and a high-ankle sprain after being carted in Week 14's win over the Bucs.
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Dec 13, 2022, 4:47 PM ET

[wco81]

Wow that's surprising. I saw a scrawl that he had both an MCL and an ankle sprain.

Heard that he had a high ankle sprain.

MCL and high ankle sprain can each take 3 weeks to heal.

Can they work on rehab, restoring range of motion, on both joints on the same leg?

Guess we will find out.

[CrimsonCrew]

Ridgeway to IR. That means only one of Mitchell, Kinlaw, and Ridgeway can return. Probably not a great sign for Kinlaw.

[Jikkle]

It's good to have the division locked up and for all intents and purposes at least #3 seed as well with time to spare.

Too early to mothball guys and I know the #2 seed is very much in play but I'd still like to see them heavily reduce CMC's snaps and take some of Bosa's snaps as well.

CMC at this time is the most critical piece on offense and if the team has any hopes in the playoffs they need him healthy as possible. Bosa isn't too far behind in that regard for the defense.

And at least we don't need to force Deebo back before the playoffs and he can heal as much as possible for the first playoff game.

Ideally we know our fate one way another before heading into the final game so we can rest everybody and focus on game planning for our playoff opponent and treat the Cards game like a preseason matchup.

[Jikkle]

Sounds like Shanahan won't rest starters but doesn't plan to hurry anyone back that's hurt either (basically Deebo).

While I don't disagree with the logic of guys losing their edge due to the rest I do at least hope eases up on the workload of key starters.

[wco81]

They have a shot of catching Minnesota and getting the second seed.

But second seed doesn't get a bye so the only advantage is playing against a lower seed.

If Hurts is out for the last 3 games, who knows, maybe getting the first seed isn't out of the question.

That would help with getting the injured players back.

[Jikkle]

With the NFC this year the only real advantage to having the 2nd seed is we'd play the Vikings at home in the divisional.

The most dangerous WC team is the Cowboys and they'll play whoever wins the NFC North in the 1st round.

The 6th and 7th seeds are going to be pretty close in terms of quality of opponent.

In fact it might be better to face the 6th seed because whoever the 7th seed is might come in on a surge like the Lions. I mean would you rather face the Giants who are 2-4-1 in their last 7 games or the Lions who are 6-1 in that same span?

So I'd still go for the 2nd seed I just wouldn't kill myself to get it. I'd rather the 3rd seed with a fresher CMC and Bosa than going all out for the 2nd seed and running guys into the ground to try for it.

[Samurai]

They have a shot of catching Minnesota and getting the second seed.

But second seed doesn't get a bye so the only advantage is playing against a lower seed.

If Hurts is out for the last 3 games, who knows, maybe getting the first seed isn't out of the question.

That would help with getting the injured players back.

Getting another game at home instead of travelling to Minnesota in January is a big deal. I believe US Bank Stadium uses that "slit film" turf that statistically has a higher rate of injury than other forms of artificial turf. Can't imagine the Niners, particularly those that have dealt with or still are dealing with lower extremity injuries, can be particularly thrilled about playing another game there instead of the natural grass at home.

[arich35]

They have a shot of catching Minnesota and getting the second seed.

But second seed doesn't get a bye so the only advantage is playing against a lower seed.

If Hurts is out for the last 3 games, who knows, maybe getting the first seed isn't out of the question.

That would help with getting the injured players back.

Getting another game at home instead of travelling to Minnesota in January is a big deal. I believe US Bank Stadium uses that "slit film" turf that statistically has a higher rate of injury than other forms of artificial turf. Can't imagine the Niners, particularly those that have dealt with or still are dealing with lower extremity injuries, can be particularly thrilled about playing another game there instead of the natural grass at home.

It also means that if Philly falters we would get the home game for the NFC Championship.

[thesack12]

They have a shot of catching Minnesota and getting the second seed.

But second seed doesn't get a bye so the only advantage is playing against a lower seed.

If Hurts is out for the last 3 games, who knows, maybe getting the first seed isn't out of the question.

That would help with getting the injured players back.

Getting another game at home instead of travelling to Minnesota in January is a big deal. I believe US Bank Stadium uses that "slit film" turf that statistically has a higher rate of injury than other forms of artificial turf. Can't imagine the Niners, particularly those that have dealt with or still are dealing with lower extremity injuries, can be particularly thrilled about playing another game there instead of the natural grass at home.

It also means that if Philly falters we would get the home game for the NFC Championship.

49ers still have an outside shot at the #1 seed.

49ers need to win out, Philly needs to lose out (which is possible with Hurts possibly being shut down for the regular season), and Minnesota needs to lose 1 of their final 3 games.

[yellowknifer]

They have a shot of catching Minnesota and getting the second seed.

But second seed doesn't get a bye so the only advantage is playing against a lower seed.

If Hurts is out for the last 3 games, who knows, maybe getting the first seed isn't out of the question.

That would help with getting the injured players back.

Minsshew too good for that. Wish he was a Niner. Glad we have Brock though.

[wco81]

They have a shot of catching Minnesota and getting the second seed.

But second seed doesn't get a bye so the only advantage is playing against a lower seed.

If Hurts is out for the last 3 games, who knows, maybe getting the first seed isn't out of the question.

That would help with getting the injured players back.

Minsshew too good for that. Wish he was a Niner. Glad we have Brock though.

Smith, Brown and Godert are too good playmakers and that OL is probably one of the best in the league.

[Samurai]

Niners seem to be getting healthy at the right time. Shanahan reported NO injuries from the Washington game; can't remember the last time that happened! Mitchell is likely to get the final 'return from IR' spot and could start practicing as soon as Friday and might be able to play in the season finale. Deebo is expected back at practice this week and might be able to play against the Raiders (if not, then likely for the season finale). Hyder also expected back at practice this week. And Mason is healthy; his listed hammy discomfort is gone. Hope they can stay healthy!

[CrimsonCrew]

Even with Minshew, I can't see the Eagles losing at home to both the Saints and Giants. That #1 seed was lost by week six, unfortunately. As I've said previously, losses to the (at present) 3-12 Bears, 4-11 Broncos, and 5-10 Falcons were inexcusable and devastating for our seeding hopes. There were circumstances that make them all reasonable (weather against the Bears, Jimmy's rust against the Broncos, and injuries against the Falcons), but we account for 25% of those teams' combined win total, which is inexcusable under any circumstances.

Hopefully the Packers can knock off the Vikings, anyway. It would be nice to have the second seed. Though as someone else noted, a heating-up GB team isn't exactly an opponent I'd hope for. Granted we've absolutely owned them in the playoffs the past few years. But they have almost as much talent as we do on that roster, and loads of big-game experience.

[wco81]

49ers pull it out with a big play in OT.

Things were going against them, the defense was struggling most of the game, Gould missed what should have been the game-winner in regulation.

Vikings and Eagles both lost. So it's possible to get the #1 seed in the NFC.

However, they gave up 500 yards to the Raiders, to a backup QB.

When their DL can't pressure, the back end is very vulnerable in pass coverage and also can't contain moderately mobile QBs.

This game they also struggled on run defense, Jacobs was evading a lot of the first tacklers and making yards after contact.

Not surprising that Waller and Adams could rack up big yards without pressure on the QB. That is the Achilles Heel of this team, the secondary are utterly beatable one on one if QBs have time for WRs to make their way downfield or make one or two moves.

That is why I have the feeling that they would struggle against teams with big weapons, which would include the Vikings, Eagles and Cowboys, not to mention KC, Buffalo, Cincy.

Unless the DL and front 7 can dominate.

[thesack12]

49ers move into the #2 seed.

Need a win next week at home against the Cards + a Philly loss next week at home to the Giants.

Unfortunately, Giants are locked into the 6 seed and probably will rest a lot of guys. #1 seed is still possible though.

[thesack12]

49ers pull it out with a big play in OT.

Things were going against them, the defense was struggling most of the game, Gould missed what should have been the game-winner in regulation.

Vikings and Eagles both lost. So it's possible to get the #1 seed in the NFC.

However, they gave up 500 yards to the Raiders, to a backup QB.

When their DL can't pressure, the back end is very vulnerable in pass coverage and also can't contain moderately mobile QBs.

This game they also struggled on run defense, Jacobs was evading a lot of the first tacklers and making yards after contact.

Not surprising that Waller and Adams could rack up big yards without pressure on the QB. That is the Achilles Heel of this team, the secondary are utterly beatable one on one if QBs have time for WRs to make their way downfield or make one or two moves.

That is why I have the feeling that they would struggle against teams with big weapons, which would include the Vikings, Eagles and Cowboys, not to mention KC, Buffalo, Cincy.

Unless the DL and front 7 can dominate.

Underlined part is entirely accurate. I would also add that the defense is very susceptible to giving up big plays when the QB flushes out of the pocket to extend a play and the defense tends to lose discipline in maintaining coverage on receivers on those plays.

Would be awesome if they still had Moseley, as he is an excellent cover corner and would help the defense a ton. Unfortunately, he's on the shelf.

That said, the defense has shown it can be dominant for most of the season. Ryans has also shown a good ability to make in game adjustments. They are good enough to make a run at the Lombardi, they just have to execute properly and make the plays when they present themselves. Unlike Tartt in last year's NFCCG.

Philly is probably the worst matchup, fortunately they will be on the other side of the bracket and won't have to potentially face them until the NFCCG. If the 9ers don't get the #1 seed, on the road in Philly isn't ideal either. Weather could be a factor. Still, with CMC and Mitchell on his way back, 9ers have the ability to control a game with their running attack.

[Jikkle]

49ers move into the #2 seed.

Need a win next week at home against the Cards + a Philly loss next week at home to the Giants.

Unfortunately, Giants are locked into the 6 seed and probably will rest a lot of guys. #1 seed is still possible though.

Might have to bite my tongue and root for the Seahawks because I'd much rather see them than having to play the Lions or Packers who both are peaking right now.

Hopefully the Eagles and Vikings play early so we have an idea of what the 9ers fate is before they kick off.

Hard to imagine the Vikings losing to the Bears so it's almost certain the 9ers have to play the win but best case scenario is they both lose and at worse we'd still be the #2 seed even with a lose to the Cards or #1 if we win.

Second best-case scenario is between the Eagles and Vikings at least one of them loses. If the Eagles lose we can go all in to win for the #1 seed but if the Eagles win and the Vikings lose we're locked into the #2 seed and we can go into the Card's game and limit the snaps for some of the starters.

[arich35]

49ers move into the #2 seed.

Need a win next week at home against the Cards + a Philly loss next week at home to the Giants.

Unfortunately, Giants are locked into the 6 seed and probably will rest a lot of guys. #1 seed is still possible though.

Might have to bite my tongue and root for the Seahawks because I'd much rather see them than having to play the Lions or Packers who both are peaking right now.

Hopefully the Eagles and Vikings play early so we have an idea of what the 9ers fate is before they kick off.

Hard to imagine the Vikings losing to the Bears so it's almost certain the 9ers have to play the win but best case scenario is they both lose and at worse we'd still be the #2 seed even with a lose to the Cards or #1 if we win.

Second best-case scenario is between the Eagles and Vikings at least one of them loses. If the Eagles lose we can go all in to win for the #1 seed but if the Eagles win and the Vikings lose we're locked into the #2 seed and we can go into the Card's game and limit the snaps for some of the starters.

Only way we play the Seahawks is if they win and the Lions beat the Packers. If Packers win they get the last spot

[RIPskaterdude]

Typical NFL, putting DET vs GB on Sunday night, while SEA plays at 1:25. If SEA wins, DET is eliminated