NFC WEST 49ers-Rams outcome could affect seeding

The two teams will collide in Monday's nationally-televised game.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
A funny thing happened on the way to the NFL's "meaningless" season finale -- the game's outcome now could affect the NFC's playoff seeding.
In Monday's nationally televised game, the NFC West champion San Francisco 49ers (10-5) will play the Rams (6-9) in St. Louis.
Before the Pittsburgh Steelers' 17-7 triumph over the NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-4), the 49ers were thought to be stuck in the NFC's fourth seed no matter what happens in the final weekend.
But because the 49ers and Bucs have the same conference record, a 49ers' win combined with a Tampa loss Sunday night against the Chicago Bears would create a tie for the conference's third-best record.
In that case, San Francisco would be seeded third and open the playoffs on Jan. 5 against the second-best qualifying wild-card team.
All this is creating a few holiday headaches for Steve Mariucci's coaching staff.
Scouting reports
In addition to deciding on how long players nursing injuries should go on Monday, the coaches have to prepare scouting reports for the three potential wild-card opponents plus a game plan for the Rams.
The 49ers, which are owned by John and Denise DeBartolo York of Canfield, know this much -- they will open the postseason on Jan. 5 at Candlestick Point.
Everything else is up in the air.
"They're all getting equal attention from us now," said Mariucci in a telephone interview earlier this week from team headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif.
Mariucci was referring to the Atlanta Falcons (9-5-1), the New York Giants (9-6) and the New Orleans Saints (9-6). Two will be the NFC's wild-card teams.
If the Buccaneers win, Mariucci says his primary concern is getting his injured players as healthy as possible over the next two weeks.
So don't be surprised if quarterback Jeff Garcia and wide receiver Terrell Owens receive limited time in the national spotlight.
Playing surface
One reason is because of the TWA Dome's playing surface.
"As turf goes, it's a relatively new surface," Mariucci said. "But it's still [artificial] turf and it's a concern."
Owens' status won't be determined until Monday when the coaching staff knows if the Rams game matters.
Mariucci hinted that his Pro Bowl wide receiver, who has a groin injury and sat out last Saturday's 17-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Tempe, Ariz., is unlikely to play "but we haven't made that official."
Expect backup quarterback Tim Rattay to replace Garcia by the third quarter.
"Jeff's time will be limited," Mariucci said.
Winners of the NFC's West Division for the first time in five years, the 49ers have won at least 10 games 19 times since 1981.
Six Niners were selected for the Pro Bowl: Garcia, Owens, center Jeremy Newberry, offensive guard Ron Stone, defensive tackle Bryant Young and linebacker Julian Peterson.
Mariucci said he's happiest for his third-year linebacker.
"I'm always happy for the guy making it for the first time," Mariucci said.
"Julian's honor is well-deserved -- he's a young, up-and-coming player," said Mariucci of the team's first-round draft pick in 2000 from Michigan State. "[Linebackers coach] Richard Smith has done a great job of developing him.
"He's a versatile team player who is exactly where we expected him to be," Mariucci said.
Parrish selected
Mariucci also was pleased with another first -- safety Tony Parrish's selection by his teammates for the Len Eshmont Award given to the team's most inspirational and courageous player.
Parrish, who joined the team as a free agent last off-season, is the first first-year 49er to be honored with the Eshmont in the 46-year history of the award.
Over the past 10 months, Parrish has had to overcome several setbacks to keep alive his streak of 78 consecutive starts.
"That award goes to someone who keeps on playing and contributing despite obstacles," Mariucci said. "That description fits Tony Parrish in 2002."
Had surgery
In the off-season, a cancerous tumor was discovered on Parrish's testicle, prompting its removal.
During the Saints game in Week 7, the 32-year-old defender suffered a torn lateral collateral ligament in his left knee. He returned to action the following week to start against the Arizona Cardinals.
Parrish's most recent injury happened on Dec. 1 against the Seahawks when he dislocated an elbow but finished the game.
The following week against the Cowboys, Parrish had two interceptions as the 49ers rallied to win and clinch the NFC West.
williams@vindy.com