Rams' loss on MNF opens NFC West door for Seahawks vs. 49ers in Week 18

Toran Flores

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Rams' loss on MNF opens NFC West door for Seahawks vs. 49ers in Week 18 image

The Los Angeles Rams' Week 17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons was brutal for the fans.

Not only did the Rams lose a late-season matchup against a team already out of playoff contention, but the 27-24 loss knocked Los Angeles out of a chance at the NFC West title.

It makes for back-to-back losses for the Rams, but what does the NFC West title race look like now?

More: Trade buzz: What teams could be looking to trade for 49ers' Mac Jones?

Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers in Week 18 will determine NFC West title

The NFC West is the only division in the NFL that has three teams with at least 11 wins this season. It's been a hard-fought race between the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and the Los Angeles Rams.

However, the winner of the Week 18 matchup, where the San Francisco 49ers play host to the Seattle Seahawks, will determine who takes the crown.

Both teams are coming into the matchup on six-game win streaks, but the Seahawks have the edge despite being on the road. Seattle has a 13-3 record while the 49ers have a 12-4 record.

If the Seahawks lose, the 49ers will take the season series over the two teams. This results in the 49ers having the tiebreaking advantage and winning the division.

Another factor that goes into play is that the winner of the Week 18 matchup will become the No. 1 seed in the NFC, receive a first-round bye, and have home-field advantage throughout the postseason.

Meanwhile, the loser of the matchup will become the No. 5 seed in the NFC and play the winner of the NFC South (either the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the Carolina Panthers).

Even though Week 18 is treated as a rest week for some teams, there are still a lot of high stakes for others. Making it worth a watch.

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Staff Writer