Niner Noise
FanSided

NFC West: How Good Is the 49ers’ Own Division in 2016?

By Peter Panacy

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 47-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 47-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Is the NFC West the NFL’s Worst Division?

We could break down where the NFC West ranks, statistically, in comparison to the other seven divisions across the NFL. But two weeks’ worth of evidence doesn’t exactly lend a lot of help here. One would have to wait until each division has had at least one round of interdivisional games played.

Whatever. It’s convoluted.

Regardless, here’s the thought — the NFC West is no longer at the elite level it once was. Does that make it the worst division in football?

No. Not even close.

The NFC East is still carrying that label in many pundits’ minds. At least until proven otherwise. And the NFC South, outside of the Panthers, has question marks written all over it. Minus the Houston Texans, the AFC South seems awfully lackluster so far.

More from Niner Noise

Arizona will probably wind up climbing back to the top of the division, as long as injuries don’t take their toll. And it’s hard to count out the Seahawks. Remember, their 2015 campaign didn’t start off on the best footing either.

Play from the Rams and 49ers could still bring the division down. Although some sort of improvement from either team could mean the NFC West is actually, you know, pretty competitive.

Let’s revisit this topic halfway through the 2016 season, shall we?

Next: 49ers Pass Rush Could See a Boost vs. Seahawks Shaky Offensive Line

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of ESPN.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.