San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
For a two-week stretch in late October, it looked like the San Francisco 49ers were losing their grip on the NFC West. A frustrating loss to the Atlanta Falcons and a bye week cracked the door open for the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams to make a comeback.
San Francisco slammed the door shut in Week 9 with a dominant win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Now 7-1, the Niners have a comfortable lead in the division title race.
With an important Week 10 slate on the horizon, here's how things stand in the NFC West.
NFC West power rankings entering Week 10
Week 9 results:
Rams beat Commanders 20-13
49ers beat Raiders 38-17
Seahawks beat Cardinals 17-3
1. 49ers cruise to a post-bye victory
Kyle Shanahan had two weeks to prepare for a game against one of the worst defenses in the NFL. An explosive output from the 49ers' offense was inevitable. The Niners put the game away by the end of the third quarter, leaning on their running game in a 38-17 win over the Raiders.
Shanahan set a goal of 40 rushing attempts in this game, and San Francisco hit 43. The combination of Christian McCaffrey and Kaelon Black is as dangerous as any rushing duo in the league at the moment.
The division title still isn't wrapped up, but the 49ers are clear favorites, assuming they can avoid more devastating injuries.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 15 @ Cowboys
2. Rams get Myles Garrett back at the perfect time
None of the Rams' five wins this season have been against elite teams. In fact, their most impressive victory came against a New York Giants side that lost its starting quarterback in the first quarter. Still, the level of talent on L.A.'s roster is impossible to deny.
That was especially apparent in Myles Garrett's first game back. The superstar defender produced three sacks in his first game back from the knee injury that had held him out for most of the season.
The Rams still only beat the Washington Commanders by a touchdown, struggling to find a rhythm on offense. When this team is healthy, though, it can't be overlooked in the NFC West title race.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 15 @ Cardinals
3. Seahawks still can't solve their offense's issues
Speaking of struggling offenses, the Seahawks' snooze-fest against the Arizona Cardinals didn't do much to instill confidence in their ability to turn things around. Even with Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet back in the lineup, their rushing attack was lackluster. Without any passing threat outside of Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle's offense is severely limited.
To make matters worse, Sam Darnold is set to miss another game in Week 10 with quad and rib injuries. Seattle's offense is running out of time to get back on track.
The Seahawks will get a favorable matchup with the Raiders in Week 10 before a much-needed bye week.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 15 @ Raiders
4. Cardinals come back to earth with Gardner Minshew under center
After his heroic comeback against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, quarterback Gardner Minshew seemed set to lead a feisty Cardinals offense through the rest of the season. The Minshew Magic didn't take much time to wear off, though.
The Cardinals put up just three points against the Seahawks, failing to convert their two red-zone trips into touchdowns. Minshew threw for just 166 yards and posted a QBR of 39.4.
Arizona has to turn to rookie QB Carson Beck soon, but he won't be able to breathe life into this dormant offense.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 15 vs. Rams