NFC West Round-Up: Week 5

The Los Angeles Rams have relinquished control over the NFC West to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5. Although battling very hard and keeping things close, the Rams weren’t able to overcome five turnovers. Seattle takes back the crown, Rams still looks like the best contender, the Cardinals look headed for a rebuild, and the 49ers are in full rebuild.

1.Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are now on top and have proven that they are still the class of the NFC West. While still being led by the defense, the Seahawks made enough plays, forced enough turnovers, and beat the Rams in their temporary home.

Even with the victory however, Seattle likely realizes that this year they have a true contender in the division, which will likely keep them on their toes for the year.

Seattle travels to face the 0-5 New York Giants.

2. Los Angeles Rams

The Rams were on top for four weeks of the season for the second year in the row. However, this year the lead and contending feels so much more real. Jared Goff and Todd Gurley will look to have a rebound game after an “off” performance against Seattle.

The Rams will travel to Jacksonville to take on the vaunted pass defense led by Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye. While the Jaguars pass defense is coming off a dominant performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, their run defense left a lot to be desired which will provide opportunities for Gurley to rebound.

3. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals got walloped by the Philadelphia Eagles as Carson Wentz was able to carve up the defense with four touchdowns and over 300 yards of passing. Since the David Johnson injury, the Cardinals have struggled to find consistent offensive success which is why they decided to trade for Adrian Peterson.

While he likely won’t move the needle, can’t fault the Cardinals for adding a low-cost, potentially high-reward move. The Cardinals get to stay at home and face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coming off extra rest from their Thursday Night Game.

4. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers fought a tough OT game against the Indianapolis Colts. Brian Hoyer continues to put up pick passing numbers but the team is still winless. In a surprising move, Carlos Hyde was out-touched by Matt Breida and while Coach Shanahan says Hyde is still the starter, he is willing to “ride the hot hand”.

The 49ers travel to DC to face the Washington Football Franchise. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like they’ll get their first win this week as well.