Only the San Francisco 49ers took the field this past week, and the results weren’t exactly ideal. The remainder of the NFC West enjoyed their bye week and prepared for the second half of the season. Have no fear, as we have you covered with some Week 8 NFC West takeaways, either from the game or the first half of the season.
49ers:
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones warms up before a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones warms up before a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium – Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Jones Just Didn’t Have It
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In fairness, it was a tough matchup for the San Francisco 49ers against the Houston Texans this week. The problem is that the clock seemed to strike midnight for Mac Jones as he threw for just 193 yards and two touchdowns. Having Jauan Jennings and George Kittle back ultimately wasn’t enough for Jones, as he couldn’t get it done. The good news is that Brock Purdy should be back.
CMC Never Got Going
Ultimately, it’s pretty simple. The San Francisco 49ers offense is only as good as Christian McCaffrey. Even when McCaffrey wasn’t getting it done on the ground earlier this season, he was busy as a receiver. This week, McCaffrey managed just three catches for 43 yards. Based on this season, it shouldn’t be a surprise that McCaffrey only gained 25 yards on eight carries as he struggles to get going on the ground. That has to change.
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Rams:
Oct 19, 2025; London, United Kingdom; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Stafford Has a Lot Left
Over the first seven weeks of the season, it’s been a recurring theme. Matthew Stafford is still very good and shouldn’t be discounted when discussing the league’s better quarterbacks. Yes, he doesn’t run, but how can you argue with 17 touchdowns and two interceptions? Especially when it comes with 1,866 passing yards.
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Nacua Needs to Stay Healthy, But Don’t Discount Adams
With Puka Nacua slated to return to action, the Rams are in great shape offensively. They need him to stay healthy, but Davante Adams has also shown that he has enough left to be a legitimate option. Yes, Adams only had five catches for 35 yards when Nacua was sidelined, but he also caught three touchdown passes. I would look for his 31 catches for 431 yards to improve in the second half of the season.
Cardinals:
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) runs the ball defended by Carolina Panthers linebacker Christian Rozeboom (56) during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) runs the ball defended by Carolina Panthers linebacker Christian Rozeboom (56) during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium – Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Harrison Needs to Improve
In the midst of his second year in the league, we need more from Marvin Harrison. He’s simply too talented to perform as inconsistently as he has. Yes, we can blame some on the quarterback play, but 24 catches for 396 yards and two touchdowns is not good enough.
Murray Needs to Be Better
At this point, I’d say that Kyler Murray is at a crossroads in his career with the Arizona Cardinals. In five games, Murray has just six touchdown passes and 962 yards this season. Yes, he does add some production on the ground, but the Cardinals need Murray to be better than he is.
Seahawks:
Sam Darnold
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Seahawks defeated the Jaguars 20-12. Credit: © Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Darnold is Working Out Just Fine
Now, I’m not saying that Sam Darnold is having a Pro Bowl season, but he’s also doing his job. Some games have been better than others, but Darnold has been wise enough to hone in on Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The wide receiver has played a large role in Darnold’s 1,754 passing yards and 12 touchdowns so far this season.
Seattle Will Lean on the Run
So far, it’s hard to argue with the success of Seattle’s offense. Sam Darnold has been a solid addition, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a cheat code. But with both Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet healthy, the Seahawks are taking full advantage of their duo to manage the ground game.
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