It does look like it's going to come down to the 49ers, doesn't it?
The Saints don't look like worldbeaters lately, and they are 1.5 games back on us with a trip to Seattle looming. The Packers just lost Rodgers for about 3 weeks, and the Bears are already working with a backup. The Lions are inconsistent, as is the entire NFC East. The Panthers are up and coming, but we've already got a win over them.
We're going to find out a whole lot about how the division and playoff seeds fall in the next few weeks. We've got 2 games we SHOULD win, and then a bye. Plus, we're getting key guys back in Okung, Giacomini, and Harvin. The 49ers are getting guys back, as well, but they're facing Carolina, @New Orleans, and @Washington. That's clearly a tougher slate.
I'd like to think that our coaching staff will continue making the adjustments to the problem areas, as they have been so far (just watch Wilson's play over the last 3-4 weeks for a nice example), but that we'll be able to start cleaning things up a little more against Atlanta and Minnesota, and then use the bye to get some guys some rest and recharge. I think we should go into the bye at 10-1, assuming that the team doesn't spot the opponent a 3 TD lead again and the defense gets back to basics. I know those are big assumptions, but I've got to believe that the coaches are as aware of the issues as we are, and that they've got a plan to address them.
So we host the Saints on Monday night with a 10-1 record and a pair of healthy starting tackles, if everything goes well. SF hosts the Rams on the previous Saturday with a 9-2 or maybe even 8-3 record. Man, early December is going to be CRUCIAL when it comes to the NFC playoffs. Can't wait.