NFC West Power Rankings: Rams Still Lead, But It’s Getting Tight at the Top
The NFC West has been one of the most competitive divisions in football this season, and with just a handful of weeks left, the race is far from over. Three teams sit with nine wins, and while the Rams still hold the top spot, their recent stumble has opened the door for a late-season shakeup. Let’s dive into how the division stacks up heading into the final stretch.
1. Los Angeles Rams (9-3)
Yes, the Rams are still holding down the top spot, but their grip isn’t as firm as it was a week ago. A surprising loss to the Panthers snapped their momentum and, perhaps more notably, ended Matthew Stafford’s impressive streak of interception-free football.
The cross-country trip to Carolina didn’t do them any favors, and Stafford looked like a quarterback feeling the weight of perfection.
Still, this is a team built to bounce back. Stafford’s 32 touchdowns to just four interceptions on the season remains one of the most efficient stat lines in the league. With the pressure of the streak now behind him, expect a looser, more confident version of the Rams QB down the stretch.
What really makes this team dangerous, though, is the receiving duo of Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. They’ve become one of the most explosive tandems in the league, giving LA a passing attack that keeps defensive coordinators up at night. The Rams are still the team to beat in the NFC West - but the margin for error is shrinking.
2. San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
San Francisco’s season has been a grind, with injuries testing their depth and resilience. But here they are, still very much in the hunt.
The offense hasn’t always been pretty, and there are fair questions about Brock Purdy’s consistency and the reliability of the wide receiver group. But when you’ve got Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle healthy and rolling, you’ve got a chance every week.
The next three games are going to tell us a lot. Matchups with the Colts, Bears, and Seahawks will either solidify San Francisco as a legitimate NFC contender or expose the cracks that have been forming all season.
Purdy has had his moments, but the pressure is mounting. If he falters, don’t be surprised if the Mac Jones whispers grow louder.
Still, Kyle Shanahan knows how to scheme around adversity, and with the defense holding strong, the Niners are lurking - just one slip-up away from taking the top spot.
3. Seattle Seahawks (9-3)
Seattle’s 26-0 shutout of the Vikings was a statement, but it didn’t completely erase the memory of Sam Darnold’s four-interception meltdown against the Rams. That game looms large, especially when you consider how tight the NFC West race is right now.
Darnold has shown flashes, but in the biggest moments, he’s struggled to protect the football. And in December, that’s the kind of thing that can derail a playoff run.
That said, there’s still a lot to like about this team. Rookie wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to impress, and his chemistry with Darnold is growing.
If Darnold can clean up the turnovers, Seattle has the pieces - on both sides of the ball - to make noise in January. But if the turnovers persist, the Seahawks may be forced to rethink their long-term plans at quarterback.
For now, they stay in the mix. But the margin for error is razor-thin.
4. Arizona Cardinals (3-9)
It’s been a tough year in the desert. What began with some optimism has turned into a season full of hard questions and few answers.
The Kyler Murray era looks like it’s nearing its end, and with a 3-9 record, the Cardinals are staring down a major rebuild.
There are a few bright spots - Marvin Harrison Jr. looks like a future star, and Michael Wilson should return next season on a team-friendly deal. But beyond that, the roster has holes, and the future of head coach Jonathan Gannon is very much in question. The Cardinals are entering a pivotal offseason, and no one’s job feels secure.
This team is playing for 2026 and beyond. The rebuild is officially underway.
Final Thoughts
The Rams still lead the NFC West, but the gap between them, the 49ers, and the Seahawks is paper-thin. One bad week could flip the standings, and with all three teams still very much in the playoff picture, every snap from here on out matters. December football is here - and in the NFC West, it’s going to be a wild ride.