As currently constructed, the NFC West is one of the more interesting divisions in the NFL. Each team in the conference has at least four losses; any of them can win the division from top to bottom. The Arizona Cardinals currently lead the division, but each team has a case for why they could win the division. Here is the case for each team in the division to win it
NFC West standings
Arizona Cardinals (6-4)
Los Angeles Rams (5-5)
Seattle Seahawks (5-5)
San Francisco 49ers (5-5)
NFC West Race: The NFL’s Most Interesting Division
Making the case for the Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have been one of the surprises of the season. Coming into the 2024 NFL season, the Cardinals were projected to finish last in the division. They are a team many consider to be punching above their weight, considering the team’s talent level. They have a Pro Bowl quarterback in Kyler Murray, a stud rookie receiver who seems to be getting better every week in Marvin Harrison Jr., and a Pro Bowl running back in James Conner.
The case for the Cardinals to win this division is simply two things—Murray and Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Petzing, a rising star in the coaching ranks, has designed a well-oiled offense to maximize team talent. Arizona’s offense is eighth in Expected Points added per play (EPA), and they rank sixth in the league in rushing success rate with 42 percent.
Murray is the sixth-ranked quarterback in EPA with a 0.212. He has accounted for a total of 16 touchdowns with only three interceptions. If Murray continues to stay effective, the Cardinals could keep their current hold on the west the rest of the season while the others grab and claw their way to the top spot.
Making the case for the San Francisco 49ers
Nobody in the NFC had as lofty expectations as the Niners had this season. After making the Super Bowl last season, the Niners came into the season as the favorites in the NFC to represent the conference. Early-season struggles and injuries have gotten SF off to a slow start, and after recently having their bye week, the Niners will be looking to make a run.
If the 49ers are going to win the NFC West, the player who is going to do it for them is Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey did not play for the first eight games of the season due to Achilles tendinitis; however, he did return in week ten and helped the 49ers win. However, in two games, McCaffrey has yet to look anything like his 2023 form, and he will need to fast if the 49ers want to stay in contention in the division.
The reigning 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year is one of the most dangerous playmakers in the NFL, and the Niners have found success the last two seasons leaning on him.
Making the case for the Los Angeles Rams
The LA Rams are winners of four of their last five games. After a 2-4 start and what all looked like a dead season, the Rams have found themselves squarely in the mix for the division. The offense gets a lot of attention in LA, and rightfully so, when you have Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua as receivers and Matthew Stafford as quarterbacks.
The pleasant surprise for the Rams so far this season has been the defense, which continues to get better each week. They rank in the top ten in interceptions and takeovers (interceptions and fumbles) during the season. Their defensive line currently has four players with at least four sacks each. If the defense continues to ascend, it will be the reason the Rams take the division
Making the case for the Seattle Seahawks
After starting 3-0, the Seahawks are even at 5-5 through ten games. After going through a coaching overhaul in the offseason and bringing in Mike Macdonald, the current youngest coach in the NFL, the Seahawks have had ups and downs, which is expected for a first-time head coach. Macdonald has gotten some solid defensive performances out of its team; however, if the Seahawks want to take the division, it will come from the trenches on the offensive side.
Seattle’s offensive line gives up 3.2 sacks per game, ranking 27th in the NFL. Geno Smith has been knocked down 34 times behind this offensive line, which ranks eighth most in the league, and sacked 32 times, which is fourth most. When given time Smith has proved to be a capable quarterback. If Seattle can get better offensive line play, that will be their key to winning the division.
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