There is no such thing as a equation that can spit out a exact reply defining how way more vital playoff wins are in comparison with regular-season wins.
However, if the Rams beat the 49ers on Sunday, then the reply universally will probably be generally known as: not less than six occasions extra significant. As a result of the 49ers’ six straight victories within the rivalry will imply squat if they'll’t enhance that quantity to seven, and thus forestall the Rams from prevailing within the NFC Championship recreation.
“They'd our quantity the previous couple of occasions,” Rams defensive deal with Aaron Donald stated. “I really feel like there’s no higher stage than this.”
The 49ers have swept the regular-season collection in every of the previous three seasons, together with 4 one-score wins among the many six video games. The newest, in Week 18 earlier this month, included a 17-point comeback and additional time. With out that rally, the 49ers would have been changed by the Saints within the playoffs, and their magical journey to highway upsets over the Cowboys and the NFC’s top-seeded Packers wouldn’t have occurred.
“This entire season really means nothing until we get this win,” 49ers tight finish George Kittle stated.
This recreation would be the twenty fourth time within the Tremendous Bowl period that a group will probably be going through one other within the playoff after sweeping that group in two regular-season conferences. Historical past favors the 49ers — the winner of the primary two rounds is 14-9 in Spherical 3 — however simply final season the Buccaneers reversed fortunes on the Saints en path to the Tremendous Bowl. The one time (in three all-time occurrences) that a group with a successful streak of not less than six continued its success within the playoffs was when the Giants beat the Eagles in 2000.
It's uncommon for the two-time winner to be an underdog enjoying on the highway, because the 49ers are at SoFi Stadium. The Rams (2018 season) and 49ers (2019) each are current Tremendous Bowl losers looking for a second probability.
“The previous is the previous, truthfully,” Donald stated. “It is a completely different sort of soccer right here that’s occurring this week. That is one recreation away from the Tremendous Bowl in opposition to an opponent that we’re each used to. They’ve crushed us in methods I’m not going to sit down right here and discuss, however they did. My mindset is there’s no method we’re going to lose this recreation.
Familiarity between these NFC West rivals goes method again. Rams coach Sean McVay labored beneath 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan when each have been offensive assistants beneath Kyle’s father, Mike, with Washington from 2010-13. McVay took over as play-caller after the Shanahans have been fired.
McVay shrugged off the notion that Shanahan could be inside his head — or perhaps, extra importantly, inside his playbook. On the opposite aspect?
“I feel that’s form of foolish,” Shanahan stated when requested in regards to the thoughts video games. “I feel a query like that's simply giving Sean and myself method an excessive amount of credit score. Watch what’s occurring that area and among the gamers on the market and the individuals which can be competing. I do know he doesn’t really feel that method, and he is aware of I don’t really feel that method. I don’t give coaches that a lot credit score.”
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