Rams, Seahawks battle atop the NFC West. 49ers surge after bye, while Cardinals rebuild. Division title race ignites playoff intensity.
As the NFL heads toward the final stretch of the regular season, the NFC West remains one of the most closely contested divisions in football. With three clubs jockeying for playoff positioning, and the fourth struggling to rebuild, the battle at the top is far from over.
Rams — Holding the Lead, for Now
Los Angeles clawed back to the top of the division after a dominant Week 14 win over the Cardinals. The 45–17 victory cemented their 10–3 record and keeps them leading the pack for now. With their mix of seasoned veterans and high-level execution on both sides of the ball, the Rams look good but they’re far from untouchable.
Seahawks — Tied, but With a Tough Road Ahead
Seattle is right beside L.A. at 10–3, and after an emotional Week 14 win, they’re still very much alive in the race. But the path ahead may be rough. Their remaining schedule is one of the toughest among West contenders, and the upcoming Rams–Seahawks showdown could be decisive.
49ers — Still Prime Contender, Even After the Bye
Heading into Week 14, San Francisco got a brief breather, but it did not hurt their postseason chances. In fact, the bye came at a perfect time, letting key contributors rest up. Matter of fact the 49ers climbed into the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff picture. At 9–4, they still control their destiny.
Cardinals — Bottom, but Looking Ahead
At 3–10, Arizona has little left to play for in 2025. However, with the benefit of early draft positioning and the chance to give younger players meaningful reps, the focus now shifts to building toward 2026.
Why the NFC West Matters (Again)
The NFC West isn’t just a geographic grouping, as the league rules note, “division standings are primarily determined by overall record, and when records tie, tiebreakers like head-to-head results and divisional record come into play.” NFL Support+1
This structure means every remaining game carries weight for every team vying for a postseason berth or a specific positioning in the postseason.
What to Watch Going Forward
- Rams vs. Seahawks Showdowns — likely the deciding factor in who claims the division crown.
- 49ers’ Health & Momentum — if SF can keep who is left healthy, their upcoming schedule could let them catch up fast.
- Seahawks’ Schedule — as they face tough non-divisional games, losses there could cost them a seed advantage.
Final Take: A Division Still W.I.D.E. Open
The NFC West is competitive and unpredictable. With the Rams and Seahawks locked at the top, the 49ers pressing hard this season’s final stretch matters. If the rest of the league wants real playoff-caliber competition, keep an eye on this division.