The San Francisco 49ers will take the field Monday night with a chance to confirm their status as the NFC West favorites.
Only the Seattle Seahawks were winners in the division in Week 1. They knocked off the Denver Broncos 26-20 at home and never looked particularly impressive in the victory. Seattle averaged 5.1 yards per play, allowed two safeties, and only won by six in a game where they held their opponent (with a rookie quarterback) to 3.3 yards per play.
The Arizona Cardinals jumped out to a quick 17-3 lead on the road against the Buffalo Bills, but Buffalo went on a 31-11 run to close the game. Arizona’s only touchdown in the second half came on a kick return.
Perhaps the most impressive showing in the division Sunday came from the Los Angeles Rams in a 26-20 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions on the road. LA lost star wide receiver Puka Nacua early in the contest. They also had only one starter at his regular spot on the offensive line because of injuries. LA still cobbled together enough offense to take a fourth-quarter lead, but the Lions tied it late with a field goal before plowing down the field for the game-winning touchdown on the first possession of overtime.
The 49ers will take any win they can get against the New York Jets on Monday night. However, if they overcome their tumultuous offseason and put together a complete game against a Jets team considered by some to be a Super Bowl favorite, the 49ers can quickly confirm their status as the team to beat in the NFC West.
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