Throughout the lengthy and arduous NFL season, it’s not at all times straightforward to check groups or measure success. Groups play totally different schedules, and every sport is performed beneath totally different circumstances. Journey, accidents, and the capricious nature of luck issue into each outcome.
However within the 2025 season, solely eight NFL groups completed with 12 or extra wins. Three of these groups occurred to be in the identical division, the NFC West. The Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, and San Francisco 49ers. This marked the primary time in NFL historical past {that a} single division had boasted three 12-win golf equipment. (The feat turned extra attainable, maybe, when the NFL moved to a 17-game schedule in 2021.)
Now within the Divisional Spherical of the playoffs, on the NFC aspect of the bracket, solely 4 groups stay — these three NFC West groups, and the Chicago Bears. That is solely the fourth time that one division has accounted for 3 of a convention’s closing 4 playoff spots.
It appears secure to say, then, the NFC West seems to be one of the best division in soccer — and odds are, considered one of these three division rivals will probably be taking part in within the Tremendous Bowl subsequent month.
Which one might or not it’s? Effectively, Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco all performed one another powerful this 12 months. Every of them went 1-1 towards every of the opposite two, and matchups involving these three groups produced a few of the most compelling video games of the season. Take San Francisco’s 26-23 extra time win, with a backup quarterback, over Los Angeles; the Rams’ nail-biting 21-19 win over the Seahawks, during which Seattle missed a 61-yard subject objective as time expired; or Seattle’s thrilling 38-37 comeback, extra time win over Los Angeles, determined by a profitable two-point conversion.
On any given week, it appears, any considered one of these three groups might beat one other.
Seattle entered the playoffs because the NFC’s No. 1 seed, thanks largely to its protection, which held opponents to a league-low 17.2 factors per sport. The Seahawks, coached by defensive specialist Mike Macdonald, have a stout entrance and an athletic again finish. They’ve 4 gamers who’ve recorded not less than six sacks, and two others who’ve recorded not less than 4 interceptions.
Seattle could have to lean on its protection. The Seahawks’ quarterback, Sam Darnold, is coping with an indirect damage, and his standing for his or her sport Saturday, towards San Francisco, is unsure. If he does play, he’s additionally unproven within the playoffs. Darnold made his postseason debut final 12 months taking part in for the Minnesota Vikings, and it … didn’t go nicely. He had two turnovers, was sacked 9 occasions, and by no means bought right into a rhythm. Who was the opponent that gave him a lot hassle? The Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams’ protection was simply as aggressive this season, however additionally they had one of the best offense in soccer. Led by coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles averaged extra yards (394.6 per sport) and extra factors (30.5) than anybody. Stafford is a candidate for the MVP award, however he may not be 100% wholesome. He sprained the index finger on his throwing hand within the Wild Card spherical of the playoffs final week. He additionally turns 38 years previous the day earlier than the Tremendous Bowl.
In the meantime, the San Francisco 49ers have their very own damage issues. They simply misplaced tight finish George Kittle, who suffered a torn Achilles final weekend of their win towards the Philadelphia Eagles. Three of their different stars are additionally in less-than-top form — working again Christian McCaffrey has appeared hobbled by a again damage these days; Trent Williams, the staff’s finest offensive lineman, has handled a hamstring challenge; and linebacker Fred Warner has been out since October, when he fractured and dislocated his ankle. (Warner has indicated there’s an opportunity he returns this week.)
To not point out, San Francisco needed to begin backup quarterback Mac Jones eight video games earlier this season, whereas franchise quarterback Brock Purdy recovered from a toe damage.
Someway, regardless of all of those obstacles, coach Kyle Shanahan steered the 49ers into the playoffs — and when this staff makes the playoffs, it tends to make the chance depend. Since 2011, San Francisco has reached the postseason eight occasions. Within the earlier seven situations, the 49ers superior not less than so far as the NFC Championship sport, if not additional.
On Saturday, San Francisco will play Seattle, hoping to maintain that streak going. On Sunday, the Rams play in Chicago. Good luck to the prognosticators who need to predict these video games. All we all know is, there’s an opportunity the NFC Championship subsequent week will probably be an all-NFC West affair.
