NFC West power rankings: Seahawks send clear message to the rest of the division

Injuries have taken a toll all over the NFL early in the 2024 season. Presumed Super Bowl contending teams, such as the San Francisco 49ers, have lost key players and that is obviously affecting their production. In Week 3, the Seattle Seahawks might have lost a couple of key defensive players, but more on that in a minute.

Perhaps the biggest shocker in Week 3 was the Los Angeles Rams, who got trounced in Week 2 by the Arizona Cardinals, beating the 49ers. Seattle was going to be a winner either way as the Rams would have fallen to 0-3 but the 49ers loss put the Seahawks two games clear of every other team in the division.

In Week 4, Seattle will have its toughest test of the year so far when they play the Detroit Lions. The Rams will play the Chicago Bears. The Cardinals play an iffy Washington Commanders team. The 49ers will take on a beatable New England Patriots squad.

NFC West power rankings through the first three games: Seahawks still stand alone

4. San Francisco 49ers (1-2)

The 49ers won't be in last place for long and certainly not at the end of the season unless a lot more injuries occur (which is clearly possible), but right now it is difficult to put them anywhere else in the rankings. The Arizona Cardinals blew out the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2 and then the Rams, even though decimated with injuries, somehow beat the 49ers in Week 3.

San Francisco had a double-digit lead in the fourth quarterback and found a way to blow it. It was the first time since 2018 that the 49ers had lost after leading by double-digits. This team simply is not the same without Christian McCaffrey.

3. Los Angeles Rams (1-2)

One thing is sure: Head coach Sean McVay is not going to let his team quit. Missing their top two receivers and missing a key offensive lineman, Los Angeles still scored 27 points to beat the 49ers. The defense allowed three touchdown passes by Brock Purdy but was excellent late in the game.

Even with a number of injuries, the Rams will remain a dangerous team for Seattle. McVay had his way with Pete Carroll-led teams. Hopefully, Mike Macdonald can reverse that trend.

2. Arizona Cardinals (1-2)

The Cardinals could easily be 2-1 but they fell apart in the second half in Week 1. They gave the Detroit Lions a tough go in Week 3. Arizona is probably still a year or two away from being a real contender, but they are clearly much better than last season. Rookie receiver Marvin Harrison, Jr. is going to be a problem for the NFC West for years to come and he had another touchdown in Week 3.

Perhaps the most worrisome thing for other teams is that Arizona's defense seems better than expected. The offense was supposed to score enough to have the Cardinals steal some wins, but if the defense continues to get better, Arizona won't finish last in the division again in 2024.

1. Seattle Seahawks (3-0)

How could there be another team at the top of the power rankings through the first three games? The Seahawks are not the only unbeaten team in the NFC West but they lead the division by two games. This should mean that win or lose to the Lions in Week 4, Seattle should still be atop the rankings after four games.

The biggest concern Seattle might have in the near future is injuries. Thankfully, Seattle versus Detroit is on Monday Night Football so players who got dinged up in Week 3, such as Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II, will have an extra day of rest. Without those two players, it might be difficult for Seattle to get their fourth-straight victory.

Still, Seattle's defense looks much better than it has in years. Edge rusher Boye Mafe already has three sacks and was leading the NFL in quarterback pressures through the first two games. Seattle should also get Uchenna Nwosu back soon as well.

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