Week 13 was favorable for the Seattle Seahawks (9-2) overall, despite them not having played their crucial game against the Minnesota Vikings (8-3) yet. That game will take place Monday night at CenturyLink Field at 5:15 p.m. PT.
The San Francisco 49ers (10-2) lost to the Baltimore Ravens (10-2), which provides the Seahawks with a perfect opportunity to take the lead in the NFC West. The Los Angeles Rams (7-5) rebounded from their recent struggles with a blowout victory over the lowly Arizona Cardinals (3-8-1), who are now officially eliminated from postseason contention.
Let us dive into the specifics of both games ahead of Seattle’s Monday Night clash with Minnesota.
Baltimore Ravens 20 – San Francisco 49ers 17
The 49ers were dealt their second loss of the season on Sunday, and like the Seahawks before them, the Ravens sealed the deal with a game-winning field goal.
It was a tight-knit game throughout with both defenses holding firm and both offenses prone to mistakes at critical times. In the end, Baltimore engineered a final drive which featured several key conversions and finished with the 49-yard dagger by kicker Justin Tucker as time expired.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson threw and rushed for over 100 yards, adding a touchdown in both categories. San Francisco’s star tight end George Kittle was limited to two receptions for 17 yards.
If Seattle defeats Minnesota, San Francisco will be second place in the division and will be stuck in a wild card spot. The 49ers will play a fellow NFC contender in the New Orleans Saints (10-2) on the road next week.
Los Angeles Rams 34 – Arizona Cardinals 7
The Rams showed that they will not go quietly into the night with a thumping of the Cardinals in Week 13.
Jared Goff bounced back significantly with 424 passing yards, two touchdown passes and no interceptions. His supporting cast gave him what he needed – wide receiver Robert Woods turned in an outstanding performance with 13 catches for 172 yards, tight end Tyler Higbee had a career day with seven receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown, and wide receiver Cooper Kupp chipped in six catches for 65 yards and Goff’s other TD. Arizona’s defense simply could not keep up and was thoroughly outmatched.
Rookie safety Taylor Rapp had a pick-six off of Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, recording his first career interception in the process. Murray struggled immensely, throwing for only 163 yards and the pick-six to Rapp as the Rams defensive front consistently harassed him and his offensive line. Arizona only had 21 yards of offense by the end of the first quarter and trailed 34-0 in the fourth quarter – not exactly a recipe for success.
With this victory, the Rams are still alive in the postseason hunt and will face the Seahawks in Week 14. However, the Cardinals are now eliminated from playoff contention and will play the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) next week.
