Updated NFC West Standings: Where Seahawks stand after Week 15
By Jake Luppino
The Seattle Seahawks have regained first place in the NFC West after hectic Week 15.
Prior to Week 15, both the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams entered 9-4. Both fanbases knew that Week 15 wouldn’t determine the outcome of this division as the two teams will meet again in a highly anticipated Week 16 matchup. Well, the Seahawks are now in a better position to close out the division with a win on Sunday.
If the Seahawks were to lose to Washington, then a win over the Rams wouldn’t necessarily give them first place in the NFC West. They would be 1-1 in head-to-head matchups and then the tie-breaker would determine the winner.
If the Rams were to beat the Jets and then lose to the Seahawks, they would be just one game behind. This means that if Seattle lost in Week 17 and the Rams won, then a tie-breaker would determine the outcome. That tie-breaker would be divisional play, which would then favor the Rams at that point.
But, we are in a situation where a win on Sunday ultimately gets the Seahawks the NFC West. The New York Jets pulled off a huge upset that granted the Seahawks a golden ticket to the division. The current situation also allows the Cardinals to creep into the second spot in the division with a Rams loss.
If the Rams lose, they will face the Cardinals in Week 17 in which that game could determine who finishes in second place in the West. But, before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let’s recap what went down in a wild Week 15.
Week 15 Recap:
Seattle Seahawks defeat Washington Football Team, 20-15
In their final east coast game of the season, the Seattle Seahawks defense brought them home. After controlling the pace for the majority of the game, Washington made a late rally that saw them driving down the field with a chance to take the lead. But, after back-to-back sacks, the defense came up with a crucial stop that gave the Seahawks their 10th win of the year and more importantly, a playoff birth.
Biggest Takeaway: Seattle’s defense showed they can win games for this team.
Dallas Cowboys defeat San Francisco 49ers, 41-33
This was sort of a wild game that saw both teams seize momentum, only to lose it later on. Despite all the injuries, San Francisco has proven they can compete. Next year, when they figure out their quarterback situation and get back to full strength, they can be a very dangerous team. Dallas duked this one out and came away with the victory. They now have hope for the NFC East as they have moved into 2nd place.
Biggest Takeaway: Kyle Shanahan has done a great job despite all the injuries.
New York Jets defeat Los Angeles Rams, 23-20
In perhaps the biggest upset of the season, the Jets earned their first win over the Rams. This game epitomizes the sport of football in the sense that it is truly a week-to-week game. The Rams got behind the 8-ball early on and could never recover. The lack of rushing attack along with the turnovers is always a formula that spells out disaster.
Biggest Takeaway: Jared Goff struggles mightily against pressure.
Arizona Cardinals defeat Philadelphia Eagles, 33-26
It seems that the Eagles have found something in rookie QB Jalen Hurts. Their offense is way more efficient with him and that is probably due to the fact that he is more mobile than Carson Wentz. But, Arizona walked out of this one victorious. Despite some early turnovers, Kyler Murray put on a show and helped his team get one step closer to the playoffs.
Biggest Takeaway: DeAndre Hopkins has the best hands in the NFL.
JLuppy’s Week 15 Picks — (1-3)
JLuppy’s Record — (24-19)
NFC West Standings
team. 36. . (10-4). Previous: 2nd. Seattle Seahawks. 1
(9-5). Previous: 1st. Los Angeles Rams. 2. team. 51.
(8-6). Previous: 3rd. Arizona Cardinals. 3. team. 32.
42. . (5-9). Previous: 4th. San Francisco 49ers. 4. team
Week 16 Preview:
San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals (-5)
One of the Saturday games will feature the Cardinals and 49ers. The first time these two teams met was back in Week 1 where the Cardinals won 24-20. This second matchup will feature a drastically different 49ers team. With no Kittle and no Bosa, you would think the Cardinals would be my pick, given the fact they beat them when the Niners were at full strength.
But, I am going against the Cardinals in this one. Kyle Shanahan has done a good job in coaching despite the injuries, and I know Raheem Mostert is back on the IR. But, look out for this 49er defense to create some turnovers. I’m taking the points on the Niners. If they do lose, it will be by a field goal.
Los Angeles Rams @ Seattle Seahawks (-1.5)
This is going to be a war. This game has a feel that reminds me of the 2013-2014 era when the Seahawks would take on the 49ers. Two physical teams playing for the division late in the season. The Rams got the better of the Seahawks in the first matchup. I expect the Seahawks to get revenge in a closely contested game.
Next. 5 takeaways from Seahawks week 15 victory. dark
Expect to see more of Chris Carson and D.K. Metcalf in this matchup. I also think the offensive line holds up and allows Wilson to go off for a three-touchdown performance in what will be the NFC West clinching game for the Seattle Seahawks.