NFC West Week 8 Check In: 49ers Strengthen Their Hold on the Division

It wasn't the prettiest of wins, but the San Francisco 49ers were able to remain undefeated in their 9-0 victory over the Washington Redskins. With that win, the 49ers strengthen their hold on the division. It was a game that they had to have since Washington is a low-level team. The 49ers also have to fend off the Seattle Seahawks who have been matching them so far this season.

Luckily the 49ers did not get sucked into a trap game and handled their business as an elite team should with weak teams. We are now at the midway point of the season and the identities of teams are becoming clearer. The identity of the NFC west is that of fierce competitors.

By no means are there any pushovers in this division. Watching the second half of this season play out is going to be a sight to see. For now, let's check in with the rest of the teams in the NFC west to see how they fared this past weekend.

Seattle Seahawks (5-2)

One of the reasons that the 49ers couldn’t have afforded a loss to Washington was because of the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle had been practically on par with the 49ers until they came across the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday. The Seahawks could not get much going against the Ravens nor could they contain Lamar Jackson.

It was pretty shocking to see the Seahawks get completely outperformed in every facet on their home turf. Of course, no one else enjoyed the Ravens victory more than former Seahawk Earl Thomas. Baltimore has now provided a blueprint on how to dismantle Seattle and slow down Russell Wilson. With a looming matchup at Levi’s Stadium in the coming weeks, the 49ers will definitely study film from this game.

Losing to the Ravens hasn’t derailed the Seahawks, but it has allowed the 49ers a bit of breathing room. With the Panthers on Sunday and a raging Cardinals team shortly after, the 49ers needed that cushion. Seattle will look to pick the pieces back up against the Atlanta Falcons, who have been absolute bottom feeders all season.

Los Angeles Rams (4-3)

Speaking of picking the pieces back up, the Los Angeles Rams have bounced back from their three game skid. It was an eventful week for the Rams following the dismantling the 49ers did to them. They acquired All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey in hopes that he would help lead a turnaround for their season.

Well so far after just one game, it looks like the right decision. Whether they will be able to build upon this win will be interesting to see. The Rams have allowed the 49ers to take a commanding lead over them in the NFC west. Seattle is also a massive hindrance to them, so getting back into the race is going to be difficult for them.

Even the Arizona Cardinals are a team that shouldn’t be overlooked. This division is arguably the toughest in the NFL. The Rams practically have to go on a serious run right now if they want to make some headway. Luckily for them, they are already on the right path after last Sunday’s win. Expect them to continue their streak as they play host to the winless Cincinnati Bengals.

Arizona Cardinals (3-3-1)

Kliff Kingsbury has the Arizona Cardinals on an absolute tear offensively right now. After starting the season 0-3-1, the Cardinals have went on to win three games straight. The air raid offense that Kingsbury has brought is finally taking form. Not to mention Kyler Murray is starting to come into his own.

He didn’t have much of an impact last Sunday against the Giants, but with the way running back Chase Edmunds was playing it didn’t matter. Edmunds completely destroyed the Giants by himself with 126 rushing yards and three touchdowns. I doubt he gets anywhere near those numbers when they visit the New Orleans Saints in week eight. But depending on how the Cardinals fare against them, they should be considered a challenging opponent.

When the San Francisco 49ers face them on Halloween on Thursday night football, they're not a lock to win that game. Once again, the NFC west is arguably the toughest division in football. It’s why it has been so huge for the 49ers to start out 6-0. That record will be tested against the Cardinals if the 49ers handle their business with the Panthers on Sunday.

Add us as a preferred source on Google