The Seattle Seahawks wasted the perfect opportunity to make a statement in Week 5. The San Francisco 49ers clearly had this game marked on their calendars, and they bullied their way into some payback for the blowout loss in the playoffs.
Kyle Shanahan's team played a great game, but the Seahawks had way too many self-inflicted wounds in this one. Bad decision-making and even worse execution cost the team at crucial times, even though they still had an opportunity to tie or win the game down the stretch.
Then again, a team is only as good as the record shows. That's why, after suffering their second loss of the young season, Mike Macdonald's Seattle Seahawks can no longer be considered the top dog in the NFC West.
NFC West power rankings: Seattle Seahawks lose No. 1 post after loss to 49ers
4. Arizona Cardinals (1-4)
The Arizona Cardinals are either the worst or second-worst team in the league. They couldn't put up more than 21 points against one of the most erratic defenses in recent NFL history, and it wouldn't be shocking to see rookie quarterback Carson Beck take the field soon.
They already cut their losses with Marvin Harrison Jr., and Jeremiyah Love isn't looking much better as a part-time guy in Mike LaFleur's offense. This isn't surprising in the slightest, but they lack the talent and guidance to be a threat.
3. Los Angeles Rams (2-2)
On paper, the Los Angeles Rams are still one of the top dogs in this fight. They're not even at full strength, with Myles Garrett still nursing a knee injury. That said, they've looked much more mortal than what most pundits and fans would've expected.
They will always be a threat. Sean McVay is a great coach, Matthew Stafford is a Hall of Famer, and their new-look defense is stacked. But just like what happens to the Seahawks, winning games only on paper isn't good enough.
2. Seattle Seahawks (3-2)
The Seahawks have played sloppy football too often this season. But even with that, their two losses have been close. They were in a position to take the lead on the last drive, but no one will congratulate a team for almost winning a game.
It's still too early to talk about a crisis, but the Seahawks must do a better job of establishing the run. Sam Darnold is making erratic decisions, and while he's avoided costly turnovers, it looks like it's only a matter of time before this comes back to haunt the team.
They're clearly better than their record shows, and they still have the toughest, grittiest defense in the league, so they should be just fine. That said, they're not doing themselves any favors; maybe they're looking down on their opponents too often.
1. San Francisco 49ers (5-0)
The San Francisco 49ers arrived at Lumen Field with a misleading 4-0 record, and they left with their first true big win of the season. Then again, flukey or not, they're one of the few teams in the league that are still undefeated after five weeks.
Shanahan's team is aging and banged up, so they might have a tough time keeping this up. But until further notice, and probably until they meet with the Seahawks again in Week 12, they must be given their flowers and considered the top team in the NFC West.
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