Updated NFC West standings: Seattle Seahawks inch closer to the top after Week 7

Another brawny defensive effort resulted in a Seattle Seahawks bounce back win in Week 7. A much needed win, I might add as Seattle is about to enter the gaunlet of their schedule. Six of their next ten opponents currently have winning records, two of which include divisional rival San Francisco 49ers.

A San Francisco 49ers team that is coming off surprising back-to-back losses. Granted, health has hindered this team a bit, with key players missing on both sides of the ball. But, in a violent sport like football, injuries are just a part of the game. Although San Francisco's schedule is slightly easier than Seattle's down the stretch, serious questions are beginning to form around Brock Purdy.

Despite impressive starts from Arizona and Los Angeles, reality has begun to set in. As I have mentioned, both teams play hard and are well-coached, they just do not have enough firepower to overcome their opponents. The remainder of the season will be about identifying players who can help them as they build towards next year.

Week 8 NFC West Standings: Seahawks have an opportunity to surpass 49ers

With Brock Purdy's health in question for Sunday's contest, many are concerned about San Francisco dropping their 3rd straight game. However, I think Sam Darnold is a good fit for how Kyle Shanahan wants to run his offense. My concern in this matchup is the Bengals wide receivers versus the 49ers secondary. In Week 7, Minnesota attacked San Francisco's defensive backs. Coming off the bye week well-rested, I expect Joe Burrow to have more mobility in the pocket than he's had over the first quarter and a half of the season. I like Cincinnati to win this one.

Earlier in the week, it was announced that P.J. Walker was going to be starting for the Cleveland Browns. Although this was a sigh of relief for some, the strength of this Browns team is on the defensive side. However, after seeing Indianapolis tally over 450 offensive yards in Week 7, Seattle should be able to find ways to move the ball. Especially since it appears that the Seahawks will have both DK Metcalf and Zach Charbonnet back for this game. If they can capitalize in the red zone, the Seahawks should win this game. More importantly, I do not want the throwback game to be spoiled.

Last week, the Rams lost a tough matchup against the Steelers. A questionable spot of the ball at the end of the game stirred a frenzy. But, the game went as expected. Ultimately, Pittsburgh's defense did enough to help them win on the road. In Week 8, Los Angeles heads to Dallas against a Cowboys defense that bullies poor offensive lines. Even though I expect the Rams to surround their offensive game plan with quick passes, I do think Stafford is going to be hitting the floor a lot. I like Dallas to win by double digits.

There has been a lot said about this Ravens new-look offense. Lamar Jackson is back in the MVP conservation, Zay Flowers seems to be a home-run pick and they are coming into form after some rough weeks early on. However, the biggest concern in this game for Arizona should be Baltimore's defense. They currently have the 2nd best defense in regards to total yards allowed per game and the best-scoring defense in the NFL. Given the current roster construction of Arizona, I once again feel too much will be asked of Josh Dobbs in this matchup. I think Baltimore overwhelms Arizona.

More Seattle Seahawks news and analysis