NFC West Week 18 predictions: Seahawks will win, but they need help to make postseason

The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams already have punched their tickets for the playoffs, and the Seattle Seahawks have a chance to join them on Sunday with a win and some luck. The Cardinals, meanwhile, could find themselves with a top-five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft with another loss.

Here are Week 18 predictions: 

Seattle Seahawks (8-8) at Arizona Cardinals (4-12)

The Seahawks put themselves in a hole by losing at home to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17,  but they still have a shot at the playoffs if they can beat the Cardinals and get some help. 

Seattle should take care of business, leaving their playoff fate in the hands of the Chicago Bears. If  Chicago beats or ties the Packers at Lambeau Field, meanwhile, the Seahawks are in.

The Cardinals are coming off a stunning upset over Philadelphia, but they rank 31st in the NFL in points against (27.1 PPG) and have surrendered 103 points in their past three games. Arizona has pulled off huge upsets of the Steelers, Cowboys and Eagles, but it doesn't have the defense to stop highly motivated Seattle. 

Even with last week's loss to Pittsburgh, quarterback Geno Smith has played well in his two weeks since returning to the lineup following an injury, completing 69 percent of his passes for 517 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. 

Seattle's running game should get back on track against a defense that is last in the NFL against the run (143.5 PPG). Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker's only 100-yard game of the season came in the first game between the teams. 

PREDICTION: Seahawks 24-16

Los Angeles Rams (9-7) at San Francisco 49ers (12-4)

Division champion San Francisco has the top seed in the NFC locked up, giving it home-field advantage through the playoffs. This is a great opportunity for head coach Kyle Shanahan to rest banged-up starters — especially running back Christian McCaffrey (calf). QB Brock Purdy, who's healthy, won't play — Sam Darnold will get the start instead, per ESPN.com. 

Shanahan, however, has not yet made any final decisions on others who will sit, but admitted earlier this week it might not be as many as you might think, adding: "It's really a hard thing to do, and it's not always the best thing to do, too."

The Rams, meanwhile, are only playing for the opportunity for either the No. 6 or No. 7 seed.

Per ESPN.com, Los Angeles will rest starting quarterback Matthew Stafford, running back Kyren Williams, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, defensive tackle Aaron Donald and linebacker Ernest Jones.

The Rams are one of the NFL's hottest teams thanks in large part to the recent play of Stafford. Since returning to the lineup from injury seven weeks ago, he has led the Rams on a 6-1 run and thrown for 16 touchdowns to only four interceptions. 

PREDICTION: Rams 28-24