Updated NFC West standings: Where Seahawks stand after week two
By Jake Luppino
After week 2 of the NFL, it is clear-cut that the Seahawks’ NFC West is the best division in football.
The Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers all picked up victories in week two. Coming into the 2020 NFL Regular Season, many had speculated that this division would be the best in the league. After two weeks of play, they have proven they are and no one else is close.
The first month of the season is typically rendered as the second preseason. But, these four teams are showing no signs of rust nor are they showing any signs of slowing down. This division is filled with young and upcoming talent, good coaching and exciting matchups for years to come.
Our beloved Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots, 35-30, in a thrilling game. Russell Wilson was once again in rare form, throwing for five more touchdowns after throwing four touchdowns in the season opener. The hero of the game as none other than L.J. Collier, who made the game-saving tackle on Cam Newton on the last play of the game.
The San Francisco 49ers bounced back after losing their week one game to the Arizona Cardinals but suffered season-ending injuries that might derail their chances of repeating as NFC West champions in doing so. Prior to the game, Richard Sherman was placed on the IR and TE George Kittle and WR Deebo Samuel were both ruled out.
Throughout the course of the game, Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas suffered torn ACLs, bringing their season to an end. HB Telvin Coleman suffered an injury that placed him on the IR. His partner, HB Raheem Mostert also suffered an injury that will most likely keep him sidelined for week three.
The Los Angeles Rams defeated a Philadelphia team that is struggling to find themselves this season. Eagles QB, Carson Wentz, once again looked sloppy making poor decisions with the football. The Rams on the other hand, continued to play good defense and did what they do best, put points on the board. TE Tyler Higbee reeled in three touchdowns passes ensuring the Rams 2-0 start.
The Arizona Cardinals can not be undermined this year. QB Kyler Murray looks significantly improved from his rookie season and is enjoying his new toy in star wideout, DeAndre Hopkins. The Cardinals dominated against the Washington Football Team, forcing turnovers, capitalizing on big plays down the field and looking good in doing so. Kyler Murray is making an early case for MVP and will look to ride that momentum in their week three matchup as the Cardinals are looking to go 3-0.
This division is truly wide open for the taking. Each team has made their first impression and all look like they can take the crown. But, only one will be able to and it should be exciting to follow this battle as the season progresses.
Let’s take a look at the week two results and updated NFC West standings.
Week 2 Results:
San Francisco 49ers defeat New York Jets, 31-13
Los Angeles Rams defeat Philadelphia Eagles, 37-19
Arizona Cardinals defeat Washington Football Team, 30-15
Seattle Seahawks defeat New England Patriots, 35-30
JLuppy’s Picks – (3-1)
NFC West Standings:
Week 3 Preview:
San Francisco 49ers (-4) @ New York Giants
The San Francisco 49ers will be staying on the east coast to play the other New York team, the Giants. There is no doubt the Niners are the better team in this matchup. Both teams have suffered major injuries to key players. It was announced earlier in the week that Saquon Barkley will miss the remainder of the year with a torn ACL. While I do like the fight I’ve seen from the Giants in the first two weeks, I’m taking the Niners to cover the spread and win this game by at least 10.
Los Angeles Rams @ Buffalo Bills (-2)
This Rams versus Bills matchup is one of the best ones of the week. Both defenses are playing really well and have been the driving force for these teams in the first two victories. While the spread does not give you much wiggle room for either team, I see this being a close game decided by 5 points or less. I would bet on the Rams as I do not trust Josh Allen and they have not faced a legit defense yet.
Detroit Lions @ Arizona Cardinals (-5.5)
The Detroit Lions are coming off a bad loss to the Green Bay Packers. It was quite surprising to see them lose by a big margin as the Lions are one of those teams who play their best football in September. I see them bouncing back this week and having a better game against the Cardinals. Although I do not see them winning as the Cardinals have been playing really well, I do this see one being close and potentially coming down to a game-winning field goal.
Dallas Cowboys @ Seattle Seahawks (-4.5)
Our beloved Seahawks are going up against America’s team, the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys are coming off a miraculous win against the Atlanta Falcons. I do think that if crowds were allowed, the Seahawks would be favored by at least 7. The Cowboys are a very talented team and although I picked them to win in my September predictions, I am changing my prediction. I have the Seahawks winning, but only by 3 points, allowing the Cowboys to cover the spread.
Source: DraftKings