The LA Rams are at the top of the NFC West with a 2-1 record. Heading into week four, the other three teams have a 1-2 record, with one team able to take over the top spot with a win. In this week four preview, I look at each matchup and its impact on the division.
Cardinals at Panthers
The 1-2 Arizona Cardinals head to North Carolina to face the 1-2 Panthers. The Cardinals are coming off of a divisional loss against the LA Rams. Quarterback Kyler Murray has 784 passing yards, but the team is lacking in their run game. They currently total 316 rushing yards through three games. Fortunately for the Cardinals, their lack of a run game may be okay this week. According to the NFL’s website, The Panthers’ defense has given up 642 rushing yards in three games. ESPN also lists that the Panthers only have 16 tackles for loss. This can be Arizona’s chance to get something going and create more effective run plays.
Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield has 550 passing yards and one interception. Despite having strong receivers, Mayfield has yet to prove himself on the team. While the Cardinals only have two sacks this season, both by J.J. Watt, if they get enough pressure on Mayfield, Arizona can force turnovers. This can be the game the Cardinals finally get an interception, which can help them get the win.
Seahawks at Lions
The 1-2 Seattle Seahawks head to Detroit to face the 1-2 Lions. Going into the season, the Seahawks did not look like a strong team with questions at the quarterback position. Despite this, quarterback Geno Smith has played fairly well with 717 yards and a win against the Denver Broncos. Smith may not be the best quarterback in the league, but he has definitely been enough to give the team a fighting chance. The key to Smith’s success is to avoid turnovers. After already throwing two interceptions, Smith can not afford to turn the ball over to the Lions. Detroit has been a stronger team than most expected. Both being teams in the NFC, Seattle can not afford a loss. If Seattle loses, it will be a difficult road ahead for them.
The Seahawk’s defense will have to step up against Detroit. Lions’ quarterback Jared Goff is no stranger to playing against Seattle. Goff spent five years with the LA Rams before being traded to Detroit. Goff currently has 748 passing yards and seven touchdowns. In their week three game against the Atlanta Falcons, the Seahawks gave up 179 rushing yards. Lions star running back D’Andre Swift is questionable to play this Sunday. If Swift is out, Seattle will be at the advantage, but if he plays, the Seahawks’ defense will have a lot to overcome if they want the win.
Rams at 49ers
The winner of this Monday Night Football matchup will leave the game as the leader of the NFC West. The LA Rams head to Santa Clara to face the San Francisco 49ers. This week four preview looks at both NFC West teams and what they need to do to win. The last time these two faced was last season’s NFC Championship game where the Rams won, and went on to win the Superbowl.
49ers
The San Francisco 49ers had a horrible loss last week against the Broncos. After the offense only scored one touchdown and gave up one interception and a safety, the offense must change what they are doing. The run game has not been as strong as in past seasons. The team is averaging 4.5 rushing yards, which is causing the team to face many third downs. According to the 49ers website, the team has only converted 15 third downs out of 42. This is much less than 50% of the time, which is causing the offense to punt the ball too often. In order to win this game, the offense must run the ball more effectively.
The 49ers’ defense is what can save the game for the team. The defense has totaled 200 tackles and eight sacks. Half of the sacks have been by defensive end Nick Boas. The team also has three interceptions. Rams quarterback, Matthew Stafford has thrown five interceptions this season. With the pressure from the defensive line, the Niners can force turnovers giving the offense more chances to score and better field position. All the defense was missing in week three was a turnover, and this week can be how they make up for that.
Rams
The LA Rams have finally gotten the momentum they need following a tough loss against the Buffalo Bills in week one. Stafford has 761 passing yards and wide receiver Cooper Kupp has 280 receiving yards along with three touchdowns. The 49ers’ defense has been strong against the run, and the Rams’ offense only has 217 rushing yards. The offense will need to heavily rely on their passing game to beat the 49ers. Coming off a win against one NFC West Rival, the offense should be able to keep their momentum and pass the ball well.
The Rams and 49ers both have the top defenses in the league. Going up against a weak 49ers offensive line, especially with Left Tackle Trent Williams out, puts the Rams at an advantage. Last week San Francisco quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was sacked four times. The more the Rams pressure Garoppolo, the more inaccurate his passes are. The pressure on Garoppolo is key to a Rams win in this NFC West matchup.
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