While the rest of the NFC West was preparing for the second half of the season, the San Francisco 49ers struggled against the Houston Texans. Now, let’s give out some Week 8 grades on that defeat while we grade the rest of the division on their first half of the season.
San Francisco 49ers
Oct 19, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) celebrates after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Offense – D+
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Christian McCaffrey carrying the ball eight times for 25 yards isn’t going to cut it. That’s especially true when McCaffrey only catches three passes for 43 yards. Mac Jones was only at 193 passing yards as Jauan Jennings and George Kittle failed to make an impact. Maybe things will pick up when Brock Purdy returns.
Defense – C-
No Nico Collins for the Houston Texans, and no problem; apparently. CJ Stroud has struggled all season, but this week, he threw for 318 yards and two touchdowns. Stroud was able to do that with Xavier Hutchinson and two rookie receivers. The 49ers also allowed 150 yards on the ground in a lackluster effort.
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Coaching – C+
Nothing worked for the 49ers last week, and there weren’t any adjustments. Something has to be done about the running game: aside from one game, Christian McCaffrey was unable to get going. The San Francisco defense also needs to figure out a path through their injuries as Stroud torched them.
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Overall – C-
Traveling to Houston wasn’t going to be easy, but the 49ers didn’t look great in any facet of the game. They lost both through the air (318 yards to 175) and on the ground (157 yards to 48). You aren’t going to win many games with discrepancies like that.
Arizona Cardinals
Sep 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) is pressured by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Mykel Williams (98) during the second half at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Offense – D+
When Jacoby Brissett is outplaying Kyler Murray, you know it’s a problem. Murray needs to pick things up as he’s averaging just 192 passing yards per game with six touchdowns in five games. Marvin Harrison has yet to live up to expectations, and a second receiver hasn’t been established. Granted, the Cardinals are on their third-string running back, but even with Murray’s contributions, they rank 20th with 110 rushing yards.
Defense – B-
Their offense doesn’t do them many favors, but they’ve gotten solid performances out of their defense. While they rank 22nd in yards allowed, the Cardinals have been able to keep the scoring to a minimum, as Arizona is 13th with 22 points allowed per game. What’s even better is that they have the seventh-ranked defense on third downs. Their defense isn’t going to win many games, but they aren’t truly losing them either.
Coaching – D+
After the fumble and the slap, the Arizona Cardinals did a good job of recovering, albeit in a close loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The Cardinals need to get more out of Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison. Perhaps the offensive play-calling needs to improve?
Overall – C-
Will the Cardinals be drafting their quarterback of the future in April? Someone needs to step up as the second receiver, as Arizona lacks explosiveness across the board. On the defensive side of the ball, the Cardinals are solid, but they also don’t stand out.
Seattle 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
Offense – B
It’s all about putting points on the board, and the Seahawks aren’t having problems there. With 28 points per game, Seattle is tied for fifth. Both Sam Darnold and Zach Charbonnet have shown a knack for the end zone, and we know that Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a cheat code. The question remains as to who will step up across the field from JSN.
Defense – A-
Nothing gets past the Seahawks on the ground. They rank first in the NFL with just 76 rushing yards per game, which helps to control the tempo of the game. Ranked eighth with a third-down conversion rate of just 35.6%, Seattle can get off the field and give their offense a chance to put up points. That’s also evidenced as they are allowing the seventh fewest points in the league at 19.6 per game.
Coaching – B+
Brand new head coach and a new starting quarterback in Sam Darnold. The Seahawks were able to bring Darnold into the fold, slide Jaxon Smith-Njigba into a starting role without any issues. They are managing a two-headed running back approach, but Cooper Kupp does need to step up. Something has to change there as, presumably, other teams focus on Smith-Njigba with greater urgency.
Overall – B
Perhaps the most interesting thing this year is that the Seahawks are 2-2 at home and 3-0 on the road. The Seahawks control the running game and have stayed healthy to this point. If Cooper Kupp finds his groove or Kenneth Walker finds consistency, Seattle will really be rolling.
Los Angeles 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
Offense – B+
There’s a lot to like here as Matthew Stafford is moving the ball through the air with ease while not making mistakes. While the focus has been on the passing game, Kyren Williams hasn’t distinguished himself as the Rams rank 22nd with just 103.4 rushing yards per game. They have worked Blake Corum into the fold, but there hasn’t been enough production, which holds back the grade. Davante Adams has proven to be a strong addition.
Defense – A-
The Rams can get to the quarterback and limit the points. Ultimately, that’s what matters, and Los Angeles is ranked second with just 16.7 points allowed per game. Teams also struggle to move the ball, as the Rams are tied for fourth, as teams convert just 34% of their third-down attempts. That’s ultimately going to drive success.
Coaching – A-
Things continue to work in Los Angeles. Sean McVay has helped to untap the fountain of youth in Matthew Stafford, and it’s a well-balanced attack. Ultimately, the Rams get the ball in the hands of their best players and let them do the work.
Overall – A-
Both of the Rams’ losses could have easily been victories this season. There’s a lot going right for Los Angeles so far this season, and that’s led by Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua. The good news is that offensively, they have more to offer once Kyren Williams really finds his groove.
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