Thankful, in a word, yes.

Not for all the other things that everyone can be thankful for at this time of the year, but for something that's been anticipated since the spring.

Finally, after months of wondering what if, fans will get treated to a rematch of that NFC championship game when the Seattle Seahawks visits the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night.

MOST OF the talk leading into the season was that either Seattle or San Francisco was going to run away with the NFC West title this year.

That hasn't quite been the case.

The Arizona Cardinals hold the best record - for now - in the conference, as well as a two-game lead on both Seattle and San Francisco, with one game remaining against each team.

Thursday's game is also the first of two in a three-week span between Seattle and San Francisco, with both teams still chasing a playoff spot, if not a division title.

Both could also have a little more to play for if Dallas finds a way to beat Philadelphia on Thursday, then they can do it again in a few weeks when they play again.

Neither have played at the same level as those teams that met at CenturyLink Field in Seattle last January, but have proved their best might be ahead of them.

Don't forget, San Francisco was a fingertip from making it to the Super Bowl themselves last year, and then who knows?

San Francisco has been finding ways to win without All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis, who is out for the season, and continues to force turnovers at all the right times.

Seattle defense, which hasn't quite as good as last year's team without some missing pieces, played a lot better in Sunday's romp against Arizona with the return of Bobby Wagner.

THE SEAHAWKS did something on Sunday they haven't done since earlier this season against the Green Bay Packers.

They finished a game strong, allowing only a field goal. When they needed to make a stop, they did.

In recent weeks, Seattle has sent fans on a bit of a roller coaster ride, waiting until the final moments to either escape with a win, or come up just a little bit short.

Even with another month remaining in the regular season, this game could have a huge impact on who gets into the playoffs between the two, and who doesn't.

AS LONG as there's still a chance for either team, there's plenty to be excited about, win or lose for fans of either team.

I'm just thankful the wait is over.

Jason Elliott is a sports writer for the Coeur d'Alene Press. He can be reached by telephone at 664-8176, Ext. 2020 or via email at jelliott@cdapress.com. Follow him on Twitter at JEPressSports.