Three out of the four NFC West teams began their season 0-1. Currently, they are all tied with a 1-1 record, with the San Francisco 49ers on top from a week two win against the Seattle Seahawks. All four teams play this Sunday in hopes to move ahead in the race for the top of the division. With important games on the line, how can each team come out with a win?
Rams at Cardinals
The LA Rams are heading to Arizona to face the Cardinals in an NFC West face-off. Both teams are 1-1 after they both lost their first games of the season. Currently, the 49ers are the only team with a 1-0 conference record. With this being a divisional matchup, a win for either team is needed.
Cardinals
The Cardinals have struggled the first two weeks scoring in the first half. They were blown out by the Kansas City Chiefs and had a miraculous comeback against the Las Vegas Raiders last week. After being down 20-0 in the first half, the Cardinals won in overtime.
Arizona currently has 482 total passing yards and 246 rushing yards. If they want to beat the Rams, they are going to have to score early. Quarterback Kyler Murray currently has 57 rushing yards. The ability to run out of the pocket can put Arizona at an advantage. With Rams’ Linebacker Bobby Wagner and Defensive Tackle Aaron Donald, Murray needs to utilize his legs to avoid the sack. If the Cardinals can control the clock and keep the Rams’ offense off the field, they could be able to get a win.
Rams
The 2021 Super Bowl champions, the LA Rams, had a rough start to their season. They lost 10-31 to the Buffalo Bills in week one, and barely beat the Atlanta Falcons 31-27 in week two. This was not the start they expected and they are looking to fix that this week.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford has had a total of 512 passing yards, but his average has been 6.6 yards. Stafford dealt with an elbow injury in the preseason, and it could be the injury that is still affecting him. With wide receiver Cooper Kupp able to get yards after the catch, they will need to focus on that to get down the field. Stafford also has to be sure not to force passes to Kupp and risk a turnover. Stafford has already thrown five interceptions this season. Fortunately for the Rams, their defense is still strong. If they want to win this game and move up in the NFC West standings the defense will need to keep pressure on Murray.
49ers at Broncos
This weekend’s Sunday Night Football is between the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos. Bronco’s quarterback, Russell Wilson is no stranger to playing against the 49ers. Wilson has a 16-4 record against the Niners with his former team, the Seahawks.
In week two, 49ers quarterback Trey Lance went down with an ankle injury, causing Jimmy Garoppolo to become the starter for the season. Garoppolo threw for 154 passing yards and will have to improve that to win against the Broncos. With a high probability of tight end George Kittle playing this weekend, that is one extra target for Garoppolo to throw to.
The 49ers have only rushed for 365 total yards in the past two games. With injuries to running backs Elijah Mitchell and Ty Davis-Price, the team is low in running backs on the team. Jeff Wilson Jr currently leads the team in rushing yards. If the 49ers can continuously rush the ball successfully, that will keep their defense rested, and less time for the Broncos’ offense to be on the field. Kittle potentially being back will also give the offense a strong run blocker.
The 49ers’ defense has been standing out the past two games and looking to do the same this weekend. The team has four sacks, three coming from Nick Bosa. The Niners’ defense currently has 113 total tackles and three interceptions. If the team can put constant pressure on Russell Wilson, that can lead to inaccurate passes. If the 49ers can continue to force turnovers and control the clock, they can beat the Denver Broncos in prime-time football.
Seahawks vs Falcons
The Seattle Seahawks were the biggest question mark of the NFC West going into the season. This weekend, the Seahawks have a home game against the 0-2 Atlanta Falcons. After trading quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, there was speculation as to who would be their starting quarterback. The team chose to stick to Geno Smith and there was a lot of doubt there. Despite questions surrounding the team, Seattle was the only team in the NFC West to win their opening game. Smith has totaled 392 passing yards, which is not bad but will need to improve if they want to keep winning. What has helped the Seahawks has been the way Smith can run out of the pocket. He extends plays long enough to find a receiver open downfield.
The Falcon’s defense only has seven tackles for loss this season, putting the Seahawks at an advantage. The way Smith can run from defenders will be difficult for the Falcons’ defense. While Atlanta is 0-2, both their games were tight. The Seattle Seahawks defense will have to be sure not to ease up on the Falcon’s knowing the game can come down to the last few seconds. Seattle only has three sacks this season, and if they want to win this week will need to increase that number.
None of the games this weekend have a clear winner. It is still early in the season and teams are just starting to build their momentum. With each NFC West team tied at 1-1, a win this weekend is important to get ahead in the division standings.
For More NFL and NCAA Football Content
Check out my latest article here and follow me on Twitter at @angelamiele811.