2017 NFC West Round-Up: Week 3

The Los Angeles Rams knew they had to make a change. That’s what prompted the firing of Jeff Fisher and the hiring of Sean McVay. That’s what prompted the drafting of new offensive weapons, signing key free agents, and aggressively trading for an elite playmaker. So far, the Rams’ moves have been paying off as they continue to lead the NFC West.

Granted, the schedule has been very favorable but the Rams have impressed every week whether it be shellacking the Indianapolis Colts, fighting back against the Washington Football Franchise, or hanging on against the pesky San Francisco 49ers. One can’t quite say that about the other teams in the division.

(From now on, this will be in a power ranking format with ZERO bias)

1.Los Angeles Rams

The Rams fought off the 49ers in perhaps the best game of the young season so far. In an offensive explosion, the Rams held on for dear life after a few special teams miscues that allowed the 49ers to claw back into the game. With Jared Goff having his best game of his young career, he was able to find Robert Woods and Sammy Watkins for a historic offensive performance.

The Rams face a true daunting task in the Dallas Cowboys at Jerry World this Sunday. Coach Wade Phillips will have his work cut out for him to stop Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott.

2. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks had an interesting shootout as well this week but fell a bit short against Marcus Mariota and the Tennessee Titans. While Russell Wilson managed to throw for 373 yards and four touchdowns, the Seahawks still fell short due to their defense giving up nearly 200 yards on the ground. The Legion of Boom also failed to contain the aerial attack as Mariota was about to find Rishard Matthews for a long 55 yard touchdown.

Don’t be alarmed however as Seattle has traditionally started slow. They’ve played a tough schedule, traveling to Green Bay and also Nashville. Look for Seattle to get a beat at home with the 12th man against the poor Indianapolis Colts, who are still without Andrew Luck.

3. Arizona Cardinals

In perhaps the best half of the Arizona Cardinals for the 2017 season, the offense moved the ball efficiently and the defense kept Zeke Elliott and Prescott in check. However, in the second half the game became a different story as the lack of a running game really came back to bite them. Larry Fitzgerald has one of the best games of recent history, going for 13 catches and 149 yards on 15 targets.

The Cardinals have been plagued with inconsistent quarterback play from veteran Carson Palmer and inability to replace David Johnson. The schedulers also haven’t been friendly, as the Cards have traveled to Detroit and faced the Cowboys within their first three games. Look for a home game against the 49ers to get them back on track.

4. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers entered week three without a touchdown and then proceeded to score 39 points on the Rams. The injury bug hasn’t made anything easier as well with Reuben Foster and Eric Reid still projected to be out for the next week at the minimum. Foster may be the most talented player for the squad but continues to nurse his injury.

Once he returns, let’s hope he becomes a “5AVA6E” for the 49ers defense and can bring a couple of wins to the historic franchise. The 49ers face the Cardinals in the battle of the current NFC West basement.