NFL Week Update: Cardinals at a Crossroads, Nacua Wows for Rams, Seahawks Seek Offensive Balance
As the regular season winds down, three NFC teams are facing very different realities - and possibly very different futures. In Arizona, a franchise quarterback’s time may be running out.
In Los Angeles, a rookie wideout continues to make highlight-reel history. And in Seattle, a new head coach is trying to balance his offensive weapons before defenses lock in on their top threat.
Let’s break it all down.
Cardinals: Kyler Murray Era Nearing Its End?
There’s growing buzz around the league that Kyler Murray’s days in Arizona might be numbered. According to reports, several NFL executives wouldn’t be surprised if the Cardinals decide to move on from their former No. 1 overall pick after this season.
This isn’t just about his recent foot injury - which has now officially ended his season - but rather a broader sense that the relationship between Murray and the franchise has been trending in the wrong direction for some time. The injury might’ve just accelerated a decision that was already looming.
Financially, the situation is complicated. Murray is still owed $36.8 million in fully guaranteed salary and bonuses for the 2026 season.
Whether the Cardinals trade him or release him, that number looms large. But despite the financial hit, there’s a feeling around the league that change is coming - and fast.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed that Murray won’t return this year, which means it’s possible he’s already played his final snap in a Cardinals uniform. If that’s the case, Arizona will be heading into a pivotal offseason with a major decision at quarterback - and potentially a top draft pick to help shape the future.
Rams: Puka Nacua Continues to Stun
Sean McVay has seen a lot of football. So when the Rams head coach calls a catch “one of the greatest” he’s ever witnessed, you know it was something special.
That was the case with Puka Nacua’s jaw-dropping one-handed grab - a play that left McVay nearly speechless.
“Oh my god. That’s one of the greatest catches I’ve ever seen,” McVay said.
“It was unbelievable. What a critical play.
He’s a freakin’ stud with what he does with and without the football.”
Nacua’s emergence this season has been nothing short of electric. He’s made a habit of turning routine plays into game-changers, and his physicality, route-running, and competitive fire have made him a perfect fit in McVay’s offense. It’s not just the highlight plays, either - his consistency and toughness have earned him the trust of the coaching staff and his quarterback.
McVay also praised the entire group’s mindset, calling out the team’s “competitive character” and ability to will themselves through tough moments. With Nacua leading the charge, the Rams’ offense has found a new gear - and they may just ride that momentum into the postseason.
Seahawks: Searching for Offensive Balance
In Seattle, Mike Macdonald knows he’s got something special in Jaxon Smith-Njigba. But the rookie wide receiver has been drawing extra attention from defenses, and now the Seahawks are looking for more production from the rest of the receiving corps.
“We need more of those if people are going to decide to take Jax away,” Macdonald said, referring to a key catch from Cody White.
White and Rashid Shaheed are two names the coaching staff is hoping can step up down the stretch. While Shaheed hasn’t seen the ball come his way as much as expected, Macdonald believes it’s only a matter of time. He pointed to the work Shaheed’s been doing behind the scenes - learning the system, refining the details - as a sign that bigger things could be on the horizon.
“It’s kind of like our run game - just keep doing what you’re doing,” Macdonald said. “There’s a lot of detail that has been getting caught up since he’s walked in the door. That’ll allow him to create some more opportunities.”
The message is clear: Seattle needs more balance. If defenses are going to key in on Smith-Njigba, the Seahawks need their other weapons to make them pay. And with a playoff push still in reach, there’s no better time for that supporting cast to rise to the occasion.
From a potential franchise reset in Arizona to rising stars in LA and Seattle, the NFC West is full of storylines - and they’re only heating up as we head into the final weeks of the season.