The bye week couldn't have gone much better for the San Francisco 49ers. They brought DeForest Buckner back home, got some much-needed rest for their injured players, and watched the Seattle Seahawks get embarrassed on Monday Night Football.
The NFC West title is far from being secured, though. The Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals both picked up big wins, and the Seahawks still can't be counted out. The Niners will need to capitalize on their bye week to maintain their lead.
As we shift our focus to Week 9, here's how the NFC West hierarchy sits.
NFC West power rankings entering Week 9
Week 8 results
- Cardinals beat Cowboys 33-30 (OT)
- Rams beat Chargers 24-9
- Seahawks lose to Bears 34-17
1. 49ers didn't need to lift a finger to be the NFC West's biggest winner
After the Seahawks' loss to the Chicago Bears, the Niners hold a two-and-a-half-game lead in the race for the NFC West title. The Rams and Hawks could still make a late comeback, but the Niners are positioned as well as they could have hoped to be at this point in the season.
With the addition of Buckner to the defensive line, San Francisco has the firepower on both sides of the ball to compete with the NFL's top teams. Don't be surprised if general manager John Lynch makes another big move, though. This team could still use another pass-catcher to fuel its playoff run.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 8 vs. Raiders
2. Rams are quietly getting back on track
After a disastrous start to the season, the Rams have now pulled even with the Seahawks for second place in the division. They still don't have a statement win this year; their four victories have come against teams with a combined record of 10-19-1. But they've at least been a competent team for most of the last month.
Myles Garrett is finally returning to practice this week and should give the Rams defense a big boost when he gets back on the field. There may still be a trade in the cards, potentially for a receiver, but this L.A. squad isn't the train wreck it looked like earlier in the season.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 8 @ Commanders
3. Seahawks' offensive struggles got exposed
A Super Bowl-caliber offense can't be built entirely out of Jaxon Smith-Njigba. As dominant as the wideout is, the Seahawks need to find other ways to move the ball downfield.
The Bears exposed the Seahawks on both sides of the ball, but Seattle's offense was far more concerning. Jadarian Price's return was supposed to help balance their attack, but he averaged just 2.9 yards on his 10 carries.
Seattle's Super Bowl-winning offense was built on two things: Smith-Njigba's explosiveness and a stable running game. Without one of those two pillars, the unit has been unable to stand.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 8 vs. Cardinals
4. Cardinals aren't going to roll over
For the second time in three weeks, the Cardinals won a game that they entered as at least seven-point underdogs. This time, Gardner Minshew led the charge with a furious fourth-quarter comeback against the Dallas Cowboys.
Even after their strong showings over the last month, it's hard to consider Arizona a threat in the NFC West, or even as a playoff team. But it has become clear that they won't be handing out easy wins this season.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 8 @ Seahawks
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