We conclude the Midseason Division Breakdown with the NFC West. This division is like no other in the NFL. The difference between first and last is just one game. Many expected the defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers to win the division and possibly run away with it. That has not been the case, and all four teams could still be in the division race going into the final week.
Surprise at the Top
The Arizona Cardinals had a rough 2023. Star quarterback Kyler Murray missed more than half the season and they went 1-8 without him. They finished last in the division, and it’s a season Cardinal fans would like to forget. Murray is healthy now, and the Cardinals are looking to win the division for the first time since 2015.
The 2024 season did not start a whole lot better. After a brutal 34-13 loss to the Packers, the Cardinals were 2-4 through six games. Since then, it’s been a different story. After close victories over the Chargers and Dolphins, the Cardinals defeated the Bears 29-9. The Cardinals controlled the game from the start, and they are now the only team in the division with a winning record.
The main reason the Cardinals might win the NFC West is the tie-break. They are currently 2-0 against division opponents. If there is a tie for first place, the team with the best division record will be crowned champs. The Cardinals do have four division games remaining, but they have already beaten the Rams, and the Niners and Seahawks both have two division losses. The Cardinals play the Seahawks twice in their next four games, and if they take care of business in those games, they are in the driver’s seat.
Second Place Rams
The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers are tied for second with 4-4 records. Let’s start with the Rams. Just like the Cardinals, things did not go well early in the season. Injuries were the main cause of their 1-4 start. Their top two wide receivers, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, combined to miss nine games. On top of that, multiple offensive linemen were also out with injuries. The offense suffered, and the Rams scored more than 20 points just once in their first five games.
The Ram’s offense is healthy now, and it has made a colossal difference. They have won three straight including putting up 30 points against a stout Minnesota Viking defense. They are coming off a win at division rival Seattle, and quarterback Matthew Stafford has played outstanding with his weapons back. Add that to the fact that their next two games are against the two-win Dolphins and Patriots. Things are looking up for the Rams.
The problem the Rams might run into is on the defensive side of the ball. Future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald retired after last season. He is one of the most dominant defensive players I have ever seen. How do you replace a player like him? The defense currently ranks 23rd without him. The good news is rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske look like future stars. Verse has been especially good and has been a terror off the edge. If I had a vote for Defensive Rookie of the Year, Verse would be at the top.
The Rams were certainly not the favorites to win the division coming into the season. Looking back, I see a lot of analysts predicted them to finish third. After losing Aaron Donald, no one was sure what to expect from the Rams this season. Now a lot of these same analysts are predicting the Rams to ultimately win the division.
Underachieving Niners
The San Francisco 49ers were supposed to be one of the best teams in the NFL. They came close to winning the Super Bowl last season, losing in overtime to the Kansas City Chiefs. Most of the roster returned so the expectations were just as high. It has not gone as planned.
Despite having a plus 28-point differential, the Niners are 4-4. They have not played well in the 4th quarter in their losses. Watching them against the Rams and Cardinals, it seemed like they did everything they could to lose. Plus, they are about to hit a rough stretch in their schedule. Their next four games are against the Buccaneers, Seahawks, Packers, and Bills, not to mention facing the Lions later in the season.
The 49ers have the most players in the NFL 30 years or older. Sure, that means they have a ton of experience. But players over 30 typically decline rapidly and are more susceptible to injury. Both have been in play for the Niners this season. Plus, they lost star receiver Brandon Aiyuk for the season to a torn ACL and MCL. Despite all of this, I expect the Niners to compete for the division title. The talent on their roster should keep them in it. They just need to play better in the clutch.
Last Place Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are going in the wrong direction. After starting 3-0, they have lost four out of five and have gone from first to worst in the division. Quarterback Geno Smith was off to a terrific start to the year. But multiple injuries to the offensive line have hurt this offense. He is now tied for the league lead with 10 interceptions. The good news is they are somehow only one game out of first place in the division.
The defense has been an issue as well. Despite having an elite secondary, the Seahawks are 27th against the run. It hasn’t helped that they keep getting behind early in games. When the Seahawks have been healthy, they have looked like one of the best teams in the NFL. Their 34-14 victory at Atlanta was one of the most impressive performances in the NFL this season.
The Seahawks season could come down to their next four games. Three are against division opponents, including two against the division-leading Cardinals. The Seahawks are on their bye week, and it came at a perfect time. They have two weeks to prepare for their November 17th clash with the 49ers. Every game left in the division is important. If the Hawks can pull off the upset, they could be playing for the division lead against the Cardinals the following week.
Final Thoughts
It would be fascinating if this division ended in a four-way tie. Chances are against it, but the chaos would be entertaining to watch. All four of these teams have had stretches where they looked like division champs. At other times, they have looked like they belong in last place. Whichever team can play with more consistency will likely become NFC West Champions.
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