As we head into Week 10 in the NFL, the NFC West playoff race has become interesting to say the least. So far, each of the four teams is revealing their unique strengths and their weaknesses. The Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Arizona Cardinals are all jockeying for a position in the postseason. Each team brings different hopes and approaches as they face off against each other.
Matthew Stafford has been nothing short of phenomenal for the Rams. Well, look who’s now ranked as a top 12 quarterback of the week! Meanwhile, Jacoby Brissett has earned himself a job as he went out and started three strong games this season, putting up solid numbers. The Cardinals, despite having a 3-5 record, face mounting injuries that hinder their chances. The 49ers have had to deal with injuries to key players, severely hampering their ability to utilize their potent pass rush. With squads now focusing their entire attention on coveted postseason berths, the NFC West continues to serve as a topsy-turvy warzone.
Matthew Stafford’s Resurgence
Despite being in his 17th season, Matthew Stafford is enjoying some of the best football of his career. His playmaking prowess and knack for improvising on the run has kept the Rams very much in the playoff race. Stafford is sitting at QB12 right now through Week 10, proving that he’s not done yet and still capable of turning back the clock.
After getting beat up by injuries, especially to their field goal unit that’s already saved them several games this season, the Rams have kept themselves in these games. Head Coach Sean McVay took responsibility for these struggles, while reminding fans that they have to do a better job as well.
“It’s gone on for too long, and we’ve got to be able to fix it.” – Sean McVay
Regardless of these recent flaws, Stafford’s arm and presence is still key as the Rams continue to battle for a playoff berth. His function on third down and what he can provide to extend plays in critical moments will be important as the season progresses.
Challenges Across the Division
A terrible thing has been happening to the San Francisco 49ers. Injuries have really decimated the depth and talent, forcing the likes of Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams and most recently Yetur Gross-Matos out. Their now-missing pass rush, once one of the biggest strengths of their defensive unit earlier this season. Yet these absences have greatly enervated it.
The 49ers are loaded with talent, they have a great roster. Injuries have ravaged their depth, which may prevent them from having the necessary swagger to beat angry, hungry foes over the next few weeks. Arguments for placemaking innovation The pressure is on, both to be competitive in a division where every win matters.
The Seattle Seahawks are off to an incredible start this season! They’re at their all time designed rush rate high—48.1%. Their offense has been dynamic and explosive in addition to being a consistently efficient points-producing machine. Their defense has been elite this year, giving up just 18 points per game on average.
Arizona Cardinals’ Struggles
The Arizona Cardinals find themselves 3-5 at the halfway point of the season. Injuries have done the team no favors all season long, especially sidelining stars like James Conner and Trey Benson. Adding to their fumbles, Kyler Murray is still on injured reserve, leaving the team with a backup-QB carousel.
We’ve praised the Colts’ Jacoby Brissett for his stepping in admirably during this trying, worrisome period. He’s begun three games this year and already picked up eight third or longer. His productivity speaks to his ability to run an efficient offense even in the midst of the team’s inefficiency.
On first analysis, Brissett’s work has certainly paid off. He is now throwing for more than 110 yards per game more than Kyler Murray was prior to his injury. This impressive leap showcases Brissett’s ability to pivot and take charge in a combative environment.
A Wide Open NFC West
Two weeks into the season, the NFC West playoff picture is still completely up for grabs. As several teams remain in the hunt for postseason action, the tension couldn’t be greater. The Seahawks, 49ers and Rams are all in the top 7 positioned favorably to make the playoffs per ESPN’s Football Power Index.
Each team’s goal is to mitigate their weaknesses while maximize their strengths in order to win games in the stretch run. The depth of this division ensures that each game will be paramount as squads battle one another for playoff seeding position.
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