Which crew is the most effective within the NFC West?
Remarkably, with the NFL in Week 13 of its 18-week season, a case could possibly be made for 3 of the 4 groups within the division.
So let’s begin with the method of elimination: It’s not the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cardinals (3-8) have suffered three consecutive defeats and have seemingly misplaced religion in oft-injured quarterback Kyler Murray. That would result in one other rebuilding course of within the desert.
The San Francisco 49ers (8-4) presently sit third within the division, and that appears about proper. Brock Purdy, the 49ers’ $265 million quarterback, has performed in simply 4 video games due to a turf-toe damage suffered within the season opener and confirmed indicators of rust in throwing three first-half interceptions in a 20-9 victory towards Carolina on Monday evening.
Operating again Christian McCaffrey has saved the 49ers’ offense going and is on tempo for a second season with a minimum of 1,000 yards speeding and receiving. The often staunch 49ers’ protection has needed to cope with season-ending accidents to linebacker Fred Warner (damaged proper ankle) and defensive finish Nick Bosa (torn ACL in proper knee).
All doesn’t really feel proper within the 49ers’ camp. Phrase not too long ago leaked the crew had voided the assured cash in injured receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s contract as a result of he didn’t attend conferences and different crew actions throughout his rehab. Aiyuk reportedly advised the NFL Gamers’ Affiliation to not battle the transfer, apparently clearing the best way for the 49ers to launch him.
There are not any such issues in Seattle, the place the Seahawks (8-3) are only a recreation out of first place. The offseason departures of large receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett have allowed Jaxon Smith-Njigba to blossom right into a star. He’s already eclipsed the franchise report for receiving yards in a season and is on tempo to turn into the primary participant in league historical past with 2,000 yards.
Quarterback Sam Darnold has proven his breakout season in Minnesota was no fluke, though questions stay about his means in huge video games — he fumbled late within the pink zone in a 17-13 loss to visiting San Francisco within the season opener and threw 4 picks in a 21-19 defeat to the host Los Angeles Rams in Week 11.
The working again combo of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet has been serviceable, however the Seahawks have but to determine tips on how to incorporate speedy receiver Rasheed Shaheed, acquired from New Orleans on the commerce deadline, into the offense. The Seahawks’ protection has drawn comparisons to the Legion of Growth that led them to their lone Tremendous Bowl title a decade in the past.
That leaves the division-leading Rams (9-2), winners of six in a row. Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford is having an MVP-caliber season, with a league-leading 30 touchdowns and simply two interceptions. Receiver Davante Adams has confirmed an ideal complement to Puka Nacua, with 9 touchdowns over the previous 5 video games.
Kyren Williams and Blake Corum have turn into a robust one-two punch at working again, and the Rams’ protection is permitting a league-low 16.3 yards per recreation.
The Rams presently take the scepter as the most effective within the West. However they may even be able to stake a declare to being the most effective within the league.
