Here's the 49ers' competition for playoff spots in the second half of the season ...
If the postseason began tomorrow, the Falcons (8-0) and Bears (7-1) would get first-round byes like the Packers and 49ers did last season. The Giants (6-3) would host the top wild-card team, the Packers (6-3), while the 49ers would host the second-best wild-card team, the Seahawks (5-4). Seattle would edge out the Vikings (5-4) for the final spot by virtue of their head-to-head win over Minnesota Sunday.
The 49ers, of course, host the Bears on Monday Night Football Nov. 19 and could wrest away the lead for the No. 2 seed with a win. My sixth sense: Keep an eye on the NFC South where Tampa Bay is surging and the Saints could do the same. The 49ers visit New Orleans after the Bears game, which will be a short week.
NFC West
49ers 6-2
Seahawks 5-4
Cardinals 4-5
Rams 3-5
NFC East
Giants 6-3
Eagles 3-5
Cowboys 3-5
Redskins 3-6
NFC North
Bears 7-1
Packers 6-3
Vikings 5-4
Lions 4-4
NFC South
Falcons 8-0
Buccaneers 4-4
Saints 3-5
Panthers 2-6
• Every active 49ers player, including running back Jewel Hampton, was on the field when practice began Tuesday at 12:30 p.m.. Guard/center Daniel Kilgore, who suffered a concussion Oct. 29 against Arizona, was in a black, no-contact jersey. Darius Fleming (knee) and Parys Haralson (triceps) were working out on a side field.
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