Tag: NFC West

Seahawks’ chances to win NFC West will be drastically altered by Cardinals outcome

Seahawks’ chances to win NFC West will be drastically altered by Cardinals outcome

The Seattle Seahawks significantly improved their postseason chances by defeating their divisional rival San Francisco 49ers 20-17 in Week 11. The Seahawks now find themselves in a three-way standings tie in the division with the 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, with all three teams at 5-5. Sunday’s Week 12 opponent is the Arizona Cardinals, who are leading the NFC West with a surprising record of 6-4.

The victory over San Francisco boosted Seattle’s postseason odds to 11%, according to The Athletic’s playoff model. Their odds of winning the NFC West currently stands at 8%. The remaining difference includes the opportunity to make the playoffs via the wild card.

Unsurprisingly, those odds will be drastically altered following Sunday’s outcome versus the Cardinals. With a victory, head coach Mike Macdonald will witness his postseason odds increase to 21%, with his chances to capture the division title upgraded to 16%, doubling from its current number. A loss would represent a major setback, with just 4% postseason odds, and 2% NFC West odds, per Michael-Shawn Dugar.

The Seahawks are currently 1-2 within the NFC West, having suffered defeats to the 49ers and Rams. Falling to 1-3 would drastically hinder their chances of winning the division. Following Sunday, the Seahawks have their final two divisional games against the Cardinals in Week 14, and the Rams in Week 18’s regular-season finale.

Sunday’s home showdown versus the Cardinals at Lumen Field will understandably have a playoff-like atmosphere.

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Seahawks Week 12 injury report: 9 players did not participate Wednesday

Seahawks Week 12 injury report: 9 players did not participate

The Seattle Seahawks are gearing up for their third-straight game against an NFC West opponent: the Arizona Cardinals. It is the first meeting between these two teams this year, and the first since Week 18 to conclude the 2023 season. Arizona is currently in first place at 6-4 on the year, with the Seahawks looking to potentially reclaim the top spot.

Wednesday’s practice featured an incredibly lengthy injury report, particularly for the “did not participate” portion. However, among the nine players who were not at practice, four were veterans having scheduled rest days.

The good news is right tackle Abe Lucas remains a full participant, after returning to action for the first time this season last week. Seattle’s struggling offensive line felt the impact of having him in a big way, as he provided a clear upgrade at the position.

The full injury report from Wednesday’s practice can be seen below.

Did Not Participate:

  • TE Noah Fant – Groin
  • TE Brady Russell – Foot
  • WR Laviska Shenault Jr. – Back
  • CB Dee Williams – Ankle
  • DE Leonard Williams – Foot
  • NT Jarran Reed – NIR/Rest
  • WR Tyler Lockett – NIR/Rest
  • G LAken Tomlinson – NIR/Rest
  • NT Jonathan Hankins – NIR/Rest

Limited Participation:

  • No players were listed in this category for Wednesday’s practice

Full Participation in Practice:

  • T Abe Lucas – Knee
  • TE Pharaoh Brown – Elbow
  • LB Dre’Mont Jones – Shoulder
  • S Rayshawn Jenkins – Hand

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NFC West predictions for the rest of the season; Kyler Murray MVP talk

A look at Kyler Murray’s MVP chances, Kelvin Beachum’s play and predictions for the rest of the season in the NFC West.

The Arizona Cardinals are coming off their bye week, so in the newest edition of the podcast, cohost Seth Cox and I didn’t have a game to review.

So we discussed quarterback Kyler Murray and his shrinking MVP odds, discussing whether he has a legitimate chance to win it, and what would need to happen for him to get it.

We talk about the play of tackle Kelvin Beachum and whether the Cardinals should replace him when Jonah Williams comes back from injured reserve this week.

Finally, we look at the remaining schedule for the entire NFC West and predict how many wins we think each team will end up having, and whether we think the Cardinals will ultimately win the division.

Enjoy the show!

Enjoy the show with the embedded player above or by subscribing to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss a show. Make sure as well to give it a five-star rating!

Times and topics:

(1:00) Kyler Murray’s MVP chances

(24:53) Kelvin Beachum’s play

(35:02) NFC West predictions for rest of schedule

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Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV has been force multiplier in the run game

Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV has been force multiplier in the run game

The Seattle Seahawks were displeased with their linebacker play in the middle of the season. That’s precisely why general manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald decided to call an audible. The team acquired Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in exchange for fellow linebacker Jerome Baker and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

Since then, the Seahawks have also released Tyrel Dodson. They began the campaign with Baker and Dodson at off-ball linebacker, and that duo has since been swapped out for Jones and day-three rookie Tyrice Knight. It appears to be a shrewd decision, particularly with Jones playing fantastic football against the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday’s critical Week 11 victory within the NFC West.

Jones recorded a team-high 13 tackles. A run defense that’s struggled with tackling and gap discipline at times this season limited 49ers superstar running back Christian McCaffrey to 79 rushing yards, zero touchdowns, and a pedestrian 4.2 yards per carry. Backup running back Jordan Mason, who played well in McCaffrey’s absence earlier this season, rushed for 13 yards via two carries.

“This defense, I look to my left and see. T-Knight [Tyrice Knight], I look behind me and I see ‘Spoon [Devon Witherspoon] and those safeties,” Jones said about the Seahawks’ defense following the 49ers victory. “We can go out there [as a defense] and play with anybody. We showed what we are. We played physically and with discipline. I think we can be something special,” Jones concluded.

Jones’ evaluation of Seattle’s defense is accurate. Poor linebacker play and discipline at times held back Macdonald’s unit from reaching its capable productivity earlier this campaign. Jones has completely transformed the defense.

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Golden Tate believes the Seahawks can ‘shock the world’

Golden Tate believes the Seahawks can ‘shock the world’

It is simply amazing the world of difference even a single win can mean in the NFL. The Seattle Seahawks likely saved their season from going under with their 20-17 upset win over the San Francisco 49ers. It may only be a single win, but it was the difference between falling to 4-6 or improving to 5-5, which puts them right back in the middle of the NFC West hunt.

Folks around the league are noticing it, such as former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate. On Good Morning Football, Tate explained how this team can potentially “shock the world” given the opportunity presented to them in the near future.

Namely, the Arizona Cardinals, who Seattle faces twice in the next three weeks. Including this weekend, for a crucial divisional showdown.

When Tate says the next few weeks could “make or break” the Seahawks’ season, he is not exaggerating. Arizona is the only team in the NFC West with a winning record, but they are only 6-4. Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco are all close behind with identical 5-5 records. In fact, the NFC West is the only division in football where not one team is below .500 on the year.

Facing the Cardinals twice in a three-week span is a tall order, but an excellent opportunity to potentially find a way to get back into first place.

Right now, the NFC Playoff picture looks like the North is going to send three teams to the postseason – Detroit, Green Bay and Minnesota. In the East, the Eagles look back to their usual winning ways, but the Washington Commanders are perhaps the shock team of the conference. Should all those teams qualify for the playoffs, then the only path for a West team to get in the dance would be to win the division outright.

So, why not Seattle? Like Showtime Tate said, it’s make or break time.

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Cardinals TE Trey McBride’s size makes him tough to cover

McBride is No. 4 in receptions by tight ends in the NFL as the Cardinals get ready to face the Seahawks.

Arizona Cardinals playmaker Trey McBride ranks No. 4 in receptions among NFL tight ends. It is McBride’s 6-foot-4 and 246-pound frame that makes him very difficult for nickel defenders to guard him in one one-on-one in man coverage.

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McBride is averaging a whopping 11.3 yards per catch and should be credited for quarterback Kyler Murray’s suburb pass completion percentage this season. McBride’s 65 targets are the most on the Cardinals and his sure hands have been a security blanket when his number has been called.

McBride still hasn’t recorded a receiving touchdown this season (he has a rushing touchdown and recovered a fumble for a touchdown), but it’s only a matter of time before he reaches the end zone. With running back James Conner and Murray working exceptionally in the RPO game, the Cardinals have been able to score on the ground so effectively that McBride hasn’t received many red zone targets. However, as opponents increase intel on the Cardinals’ ground attack, head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing will be able to scheme more heavily for McBride down in the red zone.

Stopping McBride will certainly be an area of focus for Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald in Week 12. Time will tell how the Seahawks plan to defend McBride when play-action scenarios arise.

Seahawks QB Geno Smith showcases clutch gene in walk-off win vs. 49ers

Seahawks QB Geno Smith showcases clutch gene in walk-off win vs. 49ers

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith entered Sunday’s contest versus his NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers with some demons to exercise. Smith owned an 0-5 record in his career against the 49ers, postseason included. Leading up to Sunday’s showdown, the veteran signal caller admitted that it was personal.

Sunday’s game was a back-and-forth affair. The 49ers owned a 7-6 lead at halftime. After kicker Jake Moody extended that advantage to 10-6 in the third quarter, Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III scored a one-yard rushing touchdown to give Seattle a 13-10 lead.

Hope was momentarily lost when 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings restored San Francisco’s lead through a three-yard touchdown that featured one helluva individual effort. Seattle’s next drive ended when backup ball carrier Zach Charbonnet was stuffed on a fourth-and-1 rushing attempt at San Francisco’s 37 yard line. Luckily for Smith and the offense, Mike Macdonald’s defense came up with a quick and critical stop, limiting the ensuing possession to five plays and a swift 49ers punt.

Smith took over possession with 2:38 remaining. He oversaw an 11 play drive that gained 83 yards, culminating with a walk off 13-yard touchdown scramble. Smith converted two third-down attempts on the outstanding drive, completing a pair of passes to Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the clutch. The game-winning score arrived with 18 seconds remaining, leaving the 49ers with just 12 seconds.

All in all, Smith threw for 54 yards and rushed for 29 more to complete his 10th game-winning drive as Seattle’s starting quarterback. It was a season-saving victory for the Seahawks, who improved to 5-5. The Seahawks are in a three-way tie with the Los Angeles Rams and 49ers for second place in the ever-competitive NFC West.

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NFL standings highlight why 49ers loss to Seahawks was so damaging

The 49ers are in last in the NFC West … yikes.

The San Francisco 49ers looked primed to fight their way back to the playoffs like they have multiple times after slow starts under head coach Kyle Shanahan.

They entered Week 11 at 5-4, and a win over the Seattle Seahawks would have put them in a tie for the NFC West and nipping at the heels of a wild card spot if their division hopes fell short.

Instead, they lost 20-17 at Levi’s Stadium and made what was a relatively clear path to the postseason a lot more cloudy.

Here is where the 49ers sit in the NFC West after Sunday:

1. Cardinals (6-4)
2. Rams (5-5)
3. Seahawks (5-5)
4. 49ers (5-5)

While on the surface this doesn’t look so bad, we have to factor in the reality that the 49ers aren’t playing well enough to believe they’ll win the rest of their games. If they did do that, they’d be in a great spot.

Unfortunately this season has shown us these aren’t the 49ers teams of recent history (read: last season).

So what we have is a team that now at best can split with every team in the division. If they do that they’ll be 3-3 overall in the NFC West. The problem with that is division record is the first tiebreaker after head-to-head matchups. In our scenario the 49ers would go to the division record with any team they tie with, and 3-3 isn’t likely going to cut it.

To win the NFC West the 49ers will now have to go on such a tear that they avoid a tie breaking scenario. Given the struggles this club has dealt with since Week 2, we’re not ready to bank on that just yet.

Perhaps there’s a run in them. Maybe injuries hit other teams or they start playing poorly later in the year and the 49ers scoop up a slew of wins in the final seven games. That would change the calculus.

Where they sit after a Week 11 defeat against the Seahawks, however, the path to the postseason by way of winning the division looks darker than it has in a long time.

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NFC playoff picture for Commanders through Week 11

The Commanders are in an excellent position, but there is plenty of work ahead.

Having gone through 11 weeks of the 2024 season, what is the NFC playoff picture look like for the Commanders?

  • Two division leaders are earning the respect of the rest of the NFC as Detroit (9-1) and Philadelphia (8-2) clearly are playing the best football in the conference.
  • One division is literally up for grabs. The NFC West could easily be won by any of the four teams. The Cardinals (6-4) lead, but the Seahawks, 49ers and Rams are all tied only one game back at 5-5.
  • The NFC South is a two-team race between the Falcons (6-5) and the Bucs (4-6).

So, the NFC division leaders and top current top-four seeds along with wildcard seeds are:

  1. Detroit 9-1  (NFC North)
  2. Philadelphia 8-2  (NFC East)
  3. Arizona 6-4  (NFC West)
  4. Atlanta 6-5  (NFC South)
  5. Minnesota 8-2  (NFC North)
  6. Green Bay 7-3 (NFC North)
  7. Washington (7-4) (NFC East)

With the Commanders having lost two consecutive games, they have fallen down to the last qualifying spot, the number 7 seed. What this means is that in the first round of the playoffs, if the regular season were to conclude with the teams in this order, Washington would travel to Philadelphia to play the Eagles.

Consequently, as it stands today, the first round of the NFC playoffs would find these match ups:

(7) Washington at (2) Philadelphia

(6) Green Bay at (3) Arizona

(5) Minnesota at (4) Atlanta

(1) Detroit would have the first-round bye and play at home in the second round against the lowest seeded team to advance to the second round.

Updated NFC West standings after Week 11

Updated NFC West standings after Week 11

For the better part of almost two full decades now, the NFC West has widely been regarded as one of the best divisions in football. While it may not be what it once was during the peak Legion of Boom days, it is still one of the more competitive divisions in the league.

We are through 11 weeks of the regular season, and here is how the NFC West is currently shaping up:

  • Arizona Cardinals 6-4 (2-0 in the division)
  • Los Angeles Rams 5-5 (2-1 in the division)
  • Seattle Seahawks 5-5 (1-2 in the division)
  • San Francisco 49ers (1-3 in the division)

The Los Angeles Rams bounced back from their dismal Week 10 defeat on Monday Night Football with a 28-22 win over the New England Patriots on the road. The Arizona Cardinals stood pat as they enjoyed their Bye Week. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks forced their way back into this competitive quagmire with their 20-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco all have identical 5-5 records, but the Rams top the Hawks and Niners due to head-to-head wins over both. Seattle and San Francisco have split, but the Seahawks now have the better in-division record over the 49ers, which is the next tiebreaker.

Things will surely continue to get more interesting as the regular season continues to wind down, and especially next week. The Seahawks will face the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field for their first meeting of the 2024 campaign. Should Seattle be able to defend home turf against the Red Birds, and the Rams lose to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football, the Seahawks will once again find themselves back in first place in the NFC West.

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