5-5

For the first time in four seasons, the 49ers are at .500 after ten games.

Is this team actually a playoff team? Right now, I still have my doubts.

The Niners only have one road win. San Francisco has been a much better team at home for many years. Even recently, when they've been terrible, they have still consistently played better at home. Remember last year's game at home vs. Seattle? 27-25 Seahawks. Remember the road game? 41-3.

So, the team has not proven it can beat a good team on the road, as has been the case for many years now.

Looking at the remainder of the schedule, San Francisco must win this week at St. Louis. This is always a difficult place to play, given that the Rams have built their team for the turf (relying on speed and downfield passing to Holt and Bruce).

San Francisco can win at St. Louis---they even did last season (remember, SF beat the Rams twice last season, despite their putrid team). A win would put the Niners at 6-5. I will actually be rooting for Brett Favre (never thought I'd say that six years ago...) this week against Seattle. A Packers win, and the Niners are tied for first.

The Niners then play at New Orleans (difficult game, probable L), and later play at Seattle and at Denver. You have to think the Niners lose all of these games. Victories against the Cardinals and Packers at home (definitely possible) puts the team at 8-8.

Is 8-8 good enough to make the playoffs? Only with some luck...but it's possible Seattle could have some trouble down the stretch...(we won't even get into Wild Card chances here).

Seattle plays at Denver, vs. San Diego (just beat Denver at Mile High) and at Tampa Bay. The Bucs aren't good, but playing at home, that may not be a walk for Seattle. Three losses there puts Seattle at 9-7 with wins over Green Bay, Arizona and San Francisco. A victory over Tampa, and Seattle goes 10-6. These seem like the most likely scenarios...

In order for SF to win the west, Seattle pretty much has to lose to Green Bay this week (and the Niners must beat the Rams, of course).

So, root for Mr. Fav-re and chant GO PACK GO like you never thought you would before...