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NFL Notebook, Week 14: Playoff predictions, Tom Brady’s struggles and more

By Zach Cohen

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 08: Robbie Gould #9 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after kicking the game winning field goal during a NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 08, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 08: Robbie Gould #9 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after kicking the game winning field goal during a NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 08, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 08: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers scores a touchdown as Craig Robertson #52 of the New Orleans Saints defends during the second half of a game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 08, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 08: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers scores a touchdown as Craig Robertson #52 of the New Orleans Saints defends during the second half of a game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 08, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

The ‘Game of the Year’ Race Heats Up

What a game. I’d say it’s up there for the “Game of the Year” with the 49ers’ loss to the Seahawks in Week 10. It was a thrilling game from start to finish, and what a finish it was.

Of course Drew Brees and the Saints retook the lead with 53 seconds left. Of course George Kittle showed why he’s one of the deadliest weapons in the NFL. Of course the 49ers drove down the field so the near-automatic Robbie Gould could kick a game-winning 30-yard field goal. Of course the kick sealed the first 48-46 game in the NFL’s 100-year history.

As if the stakes weren’t enough, the win vaulted the 49ers back atop the NFC. What else does it mean for these two phenomenal teams?

San Fransisco 49ers

San Fransisco finished a three-game stretch against Green Bay (won), Baltimore (lost) and New Orleans (won) to get a one-game lead over Seattle in the NFC West. Their upcoming matchups against Atlanta and Los Angeles shouldn’t pose too much of a threat, but their Week 17 game at Seattle will likely determine who plays at home for the entire playoffs.

Injuries to center Weston Richburg, edge rusher Dee Ford and cornerback Richard Sherman will greatly impact the team, though.

New Orleans Saints

Even though New Orleans clinched an underwhelming NFC South, the Saints’ season is far from over. There will be at least four other teams with double-digit wins in the NFC side of the playoffs, and a trip to Tennessee in two weeks is no longer a sure thing.

Games versus Indianapolis and Carolina should be easier, though the real story will be Drew Brees tying Peyton Manning’s all-time touchdown record with two more scores to go.

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