Written by: Jason Hu
Edited by: Slavko Glumicic
With the NFL season soon entering into December, many teams are fighting for crucial wins to qualify for the playoffs. The most competitive division in the league this year has been the NFC West. Early on, it looked like the Seahawks were going to take the division after starting 6-0, but after losses to the Rams and Bills, the division has become very close. The Rams, Seahawks and Cardinals each stand at 6-3 currently. Now it is time to consider how these division rivals stack up against each other, as well as their respective schedules. Due to many key injuries and a 4-6 record, the 49ers will not be discussed.
Arizona Cardinals (6-3)
Upcoming Schedule: @SEA, @NE, VS LAR, @NYG, VS PHI, VS SF, @LAR
Positives: The offense has been good this season under second year head coach Kliff Kingsbury and quarterback Kyler Murray, ranking 7th in the league in points per game. Murray has had a good season thus far with 19TD/8INT. He ranks inside the top 10 in passing yards and completion percentage. Star Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has been spectacular and heavily targeted this season.
Negatives: Although Arizona currently ranks 13th in the league in points allowed per game, their run defense is suspect. They rank 20th in the league in rushing yards allowed per game (124.7) and 23rd in rushing yards allowed per attempt (4.6). The Cardinals have also given up 30 or more points in the last 3 games. They will need to shore up the defense if they expect to win games down the stretch.
Los Angeles Rams (6-3)
Upcoming Schedule: @TB, VS SF, @ARZ, VS NE, VS NYJ, @SEA, VS ARZ
Positives: The Rams defense has been elite this season, led by 2019 Defensive player of the year Aaron Donald. They rank 2nd in the league in points allowed per game (296.4) this season and are a top five run defense in terms of yards allowed per game (96.8). Donald is once again having a stellar season with 9.0 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. The Rams also have a nice run game with running backs Cam Akers, Malcom Brown and Darrell Henderson.
Negatives: The Rams defense may be elite, but the offense has been nothing to brag about. They rank 19th in the league in points per game (24.0) and quarterback Jared Goff just hasn’t found his groove yet. He ranks 26th in the league in QBR and has 13TD and 6INT. Head coach Sean McVay needs to find a way to improve the offense if the Rams want to return to the Superbowl. The Rams will also be without tackle Andrew Whitworth — who has been a key part of the team — due to injury (Torn MCL).
Seattle Seahawks (6-3)
Upcoming Schedule: VS ARZ, @PHI, VS NYG, VS NYJ, @WSH, VS LAR, @SF
Positives: Quarterback Russell Wilson has been spectacular this season. He leads the league in TDs with 30, and in passing yards with 2986. Russell Wilson has been carrying the team to victories and overcoming their horrible defense. Seattle has the top offense in terms of points per game with 31.8 and it looks like it will continue at an elite level with Wilson at QB, the emergence of star wideout, D.K Metcalf, and old reliable, Tyler Lockett. The return of running back Carlos Hyde will only add to the already strong offence.
Negatives: The Seattle pass defense has been flat-out terrible this season. They rank dead last in points allowed per game and passing yards allowed per game. This defense has forced Wilson into shootouts almost every game. The offensive line has not been protecting Wilson as well, ranking 29th in the league in sacks allowed per game (3.3). If safety Jamal Adams can stay healthy though, that could be the remedy that this defense needs.
Prediction
Each of these teams have a realistic shot at winning the division. However, Seattle holds a serious weakness in their defense, which is a major factor in their ability to pull ahead in the division after consistently failing to stop opposing quarterbacks late in games. Arizona is still too young and will most likely lack experience, restraining their success down the stretch. For those reasons, I think the Rams are most likely to do it. They have an elite defense, and a great running game. If Sean McVay can create harmony within the passing offence, this team could be a legit title contender come January.
Jason Hu
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