NFC West Week 14 Recap: 49ers Rest, Rams and Seahawks Roll, and Week 15 Looms Large
While the San Francisco 49ers enjoyed a well-earned bye week, the rest of the NFC West didn’t exactly wait around. The Rams and Seahawks both handled business with dominant wins, tightening the race at the top and setting up a compelling stretch run.
The 49ers may have stayed idle, but the playoff picture didn’t. Let’s break it all down.
Rams 45, Cardinals 17: Stafford, Corum Power LA to Rout
For a brief moment, it looked like the Cardinals might have something cooking. They jumped out to a 7-0 lead early, but that was about the extent of the good news in Arizona. After that opening punch, the Rams responded with a flurry of their own-and never looked back.
Matthew Stafford was in rhythm all afternoon, completing 70 percent of his passes and tossing three touchdowns. Two went to standout rookie Puka Nacua, who continues to be a matchup nightmare, and another found tight end Colby Parkinson. Stafford’s command of the offense was surgical, and when he’s protected like he was on Sunday, this Rams unit hums.
But it wasn’t just Stafford lighting it up. Rookie running back Blake Corum delivered a breakout performance, averaging a ridiculous 10.7 yards per carry on 12 attempts for 128 yards. His explosive run-one of the highlights of the game-put an exclamation point on a day where the Rams offense looked borderline unstoppable.
Arizona, meanwhile, struggled to sustain anything offensively. Outside of a second-quarter field goal and a garbage-time touchdown, the Cardinals were stuck in neutral.
This is a team that has occasionally given the 49ers a tough time, but against the Rams? They were simply overmatched.
Seahawks 37, Falcons 9: A Tale of Two Halves
Seattle’s win over the Falcons followed a different script-but the ending was just as decisive.
The first half was a snoozer. Both teams traded field goals, and at halftime, it was tied 6-6.
Atlanta even picked off a pass and looked poised to capitalize, but a blocked field goal kept things even. For a moment, it felt like we might be in for a scrappy, down-to-the-wire finish.
Then the second half happened.
Seattle came out of the locker room and flipped the switch. Touchdowns, turnovers, and total dominance followed.
A quick score out of the gate set the tone, and on the very next series, the Falcons coughed up the ball again-Seattle turned that into another touchdown. The Seahawks defense took over from there, forcing two interceptions and holding Atlanta to just one more field goal the rest of the way.
What started as a toss-up turned into a rout. The Seahawks closed the game on a 31-3 run and looked every bit like a team ready to make a serious push in the NFC.
NFC West Standings: A Tight Three-Team Race
With both the Rams and Seahawks improving to 10-3, and the 49ers sitting right behind them after the bye, the NFC West is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions down the stretch. The standings didn’t shift much this week, but the pressure is building.
The Rams and Seahawks are neck-and-neck, but they’ll meet again soon-with major playoff implications likely on the line. And while the 49ers didn’t play, their path remains clear: win, and they control their fate.
Looking Ahead: Week 15 and Beyond
Let’s take a look at what’s coming up for the NFC West contenders:
**Seahawks vs. Colts: A Lucky Break?
** Seattle hosts an Indianapolis Colts team that’s suddenly in turmoil.
Starting quarterback Daniel Jones is out for the season with a torn Achilles, and the backup is also sidelined. That leaves the Colts severely undermanned heading into a matchup with one of the league’s top defenses.
Seattle’s been called the “luckiest team in the league” more than once, and this might be another example. The Colts offense had been consistent all year, but without a healthy quarterback, they’re facing an uphill climb in a hostile environment. Advantage: Seahawks.
Rams vs. Lions: A Real Test
The Rams get a tougher assignment in Week 15, traveling to face the Detroit Lions. This one could go either way.
Detroit has the firepower to challenge LA, and if the Rams aren’t sharp, this could be a slip-up.
Still, with Stafford locked in and Corum emerging as a legitimate threat on the ground, the Rams have the tools to keep pace with anyone. But they’ll need to bring their A-game-Detroit won’t be handing anything over.
49ers at Titans: Beware the Trap
San Francisco heads to Tennessee to take on a Titans team that’s been mostly underwhelming-but not entirely toothless. The Titans just pulled off a narrow win over the Browns, and while they’ve only notched two victories all season, this one has the feel of a potential trap game.
The 49ers should win. They’re the better team on paper, and they’ve had time to rest and regroup. But stranger things have happened, and if San Francisco comes out flat, the Titans could make things interesting.
Cardinals vs. Texans: Trouble Ahead
Arizona hosts the Houston Texans, and this one looks like another uphill battle for the Cardinals. Houston’s defense is among the best in the league, and Arizona hasn’t shown the consistency or firepower to keep up.
It could be another long day for the Redbirds.
Final Thoughts: The Stretch Run Begins
With just a few weeks left in the regular season, every game matters. The Rams and Seahawks are surging at the right time, while the 49ers return from their bye with a favorable matchup and a chance to keep pace-or take the lead.
The NFC West is far from settled. The Rams still have to face the Lions, Seahawks, Falcons, and Cardinals.
Seattle gets the Colts, Panthers, Rams, and Cardinals. And the 49ers?
Their road includes the Titans, Ravens, Commanders, and a critical Week 17 showdown with the Rams.
Buckle up-this division race is just getting started.