At this time last week, the Seattle Seahawks were sitting on top of the NFC West with a 4-3 record. However, after Sunday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, they could potentially find themselves at the bottom of the division. A loss to the Rams at Lumen Field would see them drop to last place, regardless of whether the Arizona Cardinals win or lose against the Chicago Bears.
The NFC West is proving to be the tightest division in the NFL, with the Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, and Seahawks all tied at 4-4, and the Rams just half a game behind at 3-4. The Cardinals currently hold the tiebreaker due to their 2-0 start in NFC West play. The upcoming Rams-Seahawks game is the first of eight NFC West matchups to close out the season.
Compared to other divisions in the NFC, the NFC West has the smallest gap between the top and bottom teams. In the East, the gap is 3½ games, 2 games in the North, and 4 games in the South. The AFC divisions also show more significant gaps between the top and bottom teams, ranging from 3 to 5½ games.
Several factors contribute to the tight race in the NFC West. The 49ers, who were considered Super Bowl favorites at the start of the season, have been dealing with injuries. Additionally, the Cardinals have secured victories with three game-winning field goals.
Let’s take a closer look at where each team in the NFC West stands and how they might fare in the remainder of the season:
Arizona Cardinals:
– FPI’s overall ranking: No. 21
– Chances to win the division: 32.9%
– Chances to make the playoffs: 38.2%
– Next five games: vs. Chicago Bears, vs. New York Jets, BYE, at Seattle, at Minnesota Vikings
– Quarterback assessment: Kyler Murray is playing at a high level, ranking third in the NFL in QBR.
– X factor: Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has been a game-changer for the Cardinals.
– Biggest concern: Consistency and improving third-down defense.
– Reason for optimism: When the Cardinals’ offense is firing on all cylinders, they can compete with the best in the NFL.
– Key player returning from injury: Rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson is expected back soon.
Los Angeles Rams:
– FPI’s overall ranking: No. 18
– Chances to win the division: 15.5%
– Chances to make the playoffs: 19.5%
– Next five games: at Seattle, vs. Miami Dolphins, at New England Patriots, vs. Philadelphia Eagles, at New Orleans Saints
– Quarterback assessment: Matthew Stafford had a standout performance in Week 8.
– X factor: Wide receiver Puka Nacua has made a significant impact for the Rams.
– Biggest concern: The secondary remains a weak spot for the Rams.
– Reason for optimism: A recent win against the Minnesota Vikings showcased the Rams’ offensive potential.
– Key player returning from injury: Offensive lineman Steve Avila is expected to boost the Rams’ offensive line.
San Francisco 49ers:
– FPI’s overall ranking: No. 6
– Chances to win the division: 37.8%
– Chances to make the playoffs: 44.2%
– Next five games: BYE, at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, vs. Seattle, at Green Bay Packers, at Buffalo Bills
– Quarterback assessment: Brock Purdy has faced challenges due to injuries and defensive game plans.
– X factor: Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is crucial for the 49ers’ defense.
– Biggest concern: Special teams performance has been lacking for the 49ers.
– Reason for optimism: The 49ers have a history of strong finishes under coach Kyle Shanahan.
– Key player returning from injury: Running back Christian McCaffrey’s return could be a game-changer for the 49ers.
Seattle Seahawks:
– FPI’s overall ranking: No. 24
– Chances to win the division: 13.8%
– Chances to make the playoffs: 17.7%
– Next five games: vs. Rams, BYE, at San Francisco, vs. Arizona, at Jets
– Quarterback assessment: Geno Smith has been solid but needs to elevate his game.
– X factor: Running back Kenneth Walker III has been a key player for the Seahawks.
– Biggest concern: The Seahawks’ run defense has been struggling.
– Reason for optimism: The addition of linebacker Ernest Jones IV should bolster the run defense.
– Key player returning from injury: Right tackle Abraham Lucas is expected to make his comeback soon.
As the NFC West teams gear up for the remaining games of the season, every matchup within the division will be crucial in determining the eventual winner. With the race so tight, each team will need to perform at their best to secure a playoff spot and potentially claim the NFC West title.
