Week 12 NFC West predictions: Why 49ers should take commanding division lead

In Week 12, all NFC West teams are playing within the division, including a Thanksgiving night game between the division's leading playoff contenders. 

San Francisco 49ers (7-3) vs. Seattle Seahawks (6-4)

The 49ers have turned their season around following a three-game losing streak and again look like a Super Bowl contender. In the past two games, San Francisco QB Brock Purdy has thrown for 629 yards and six touchdowns and posted a passer rating of 148 or better in each game, including a perfect 158.3 rating in Week 11 against Tampa Bay.

Seattle's defense, meanwhile, has allowed more than 380 yards per game over the past four weeks and is reverting to its sub-par level of 2022.

Regression on defense is not Seattle's only concern. The Seahawks are also dealing with significant injuries to quarterback Geno Smith (triceps) and running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique). Smith is expected to play, but neither he nor Walker will be 100 percent. If Smith can't play or leaves the game, underwhelming backup Drew Lock gets the nod.

A San Francisco win would give it a two-game lead and the tiebreaker in the division. Given Seattle's difficult upcoming schedule (Cowboys, 49ers, Eagles), that could be a knockout punch. 

PREDICTION: 49ers, 28-14

Los Angeles Rams (4-6) vs. Arizona Cardinals (2-9)

To remain in playoff contention, the Rams must get more from quarterback Matthew Stafford. In each of his past three starts, he has failed to record a passer rating higher than 78, which is below average. In nine games, he has thrown eight interceptions.

Arizona's defense, which ranks 27th in the league in points against per game (25.8) and 24th in yards against (349.5 YPG), should present an opportunity for Stafford to get back on track. 

The Cardinals, meanwhile, are hoping to see more from veteran quarterback Kyler Murray, who is still shaking off rust from a torn ACL. 

Don't expect a high-scoring game, as these teams rank 22nd (Rams/19.5 PPG) and 25th (Cardinals, 17.5 PPG) in points per game. 

PREDICTION: Rams, 20-10