Even in the face of countless injuries, the San Francisco 49ers are trudging on toward an NFC West title. They pulled off another win in Week 3, albeit a less convincing one, against the Arizona Cardinals.
As the only undefeated team in the division, the Niners have separated themselves from their rivals. They won't be able to take their foot off the gas if they want to maintain their lead, but unexpected losses from the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams will help their cause.
As we turn our attention to Week 4, here is how the NFC West shakes out.
NFC West power rankings entering Week 4
Week 3 results:
- Seahawks lose to Commanders 33-31
- 49ers beat Cardinals 36-30
- Rams lose to Broncos 30-26
1. San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Shanahan's offensive machine seems to be immune to the troubles that injuries should bring. Even with Mike Evans and Trent Williams sidelined for a significant portion of the game, San Francisco put 36 points on the board against the Cardinals.
With three strong wins under their belt, the Niners have established themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Still, the injuries will have to catch up to them at some point. Their Week 4 matchup with the Denver Broncos will be a telling test.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 4 vs. Broncos
2. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle's loss to the Washington Commanders might be the most surprising result of the weekend. Even with Sam Darnold back in the lineup, the defending champs couldn't fend off the 0-2 Commanders. Mike Macdonald's seemingly impenetrable defense allowed 33 points to an offense led by Marcus Mariota.
Every team is allowed an early season blip. The loss to Washington doesn't change the Seahawks' status as one of the biggest threats in the conference, but they'll need to bounce back in Week 4.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 4 vs. Chargers
3. Los Angeles Rams
Through three weeks, the Rams don't quite look like the superteam they were expected to be. Of course, they're missing two of their best players in Puka Nacua and Myles Garrett, but nobody thought L.A. would start the season 1-2.
It's too early to give up on the Rams, but every loss counts in such a tightly-contested division. If they can't pull it together against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4, Sean McVay's squad could face a hill too steep to climb.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 4 @ Eagles
4. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals offense showed some signs of life against the 49ers, spreading the ball between Trey McBride, Michael Wilson, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Jeremiyah Love effectively. Still, it's clear they don't stack up well against the rest of the division.
Arizona's offense has been passable so far, but the defense isn't fit to stop any of the league's most potent offenses.
The Red Birds could pick up a win against a beat-up New York Giants team in Week 4, but their chances of winning the division are already dashed.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 4 @ Giants
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