The NFC West is currently a two-team California fight. After Week 7, both the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams sit at 5–2, with the Seattle Seahawks just a half game back at 4–2, and the Arizona Cardinals showing inconsistent signs of life at 2–5. It’s shaping up to be one of the NFL’s most balanced divisions and maybe the most unpredictable.

49ers (5–2): Finding Ways to Win Through Adversity

San Francisco’s 20–10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday was a masterpiece given all the injuries, it was another testament to the 49ers’ depth, coaching staff, and leadership.

Quarterback Mac Jones became the first signal-caller in franchise history to surpass 1,200 passing yards in his first four games with the team, while Christian McCaffrey, who entered Week 7 leading the league in touches, delivered nearly 200 scrimmage yards and a score.

The story, however, might have been who wasn’t on the field. Linebacker Tatum Bethune left early with an injury, forcing Curtis Robinson, a special teamer who had never played a defensive snap, to take over play-calling duties. Starting center Jake Brendel also exited with a hamstring injury, replaced by Matt Hennessy.

Still, San Francisco’s defense, bolstered by Robert Saleh’s creative blitz packages, came up in a critical way against a Falcons offense who went off the previous week.

Rams (5–2): Statement Win in London

Across the Atlantic, the Los Angeles Rams put the rest of the league on notice. Their 35–7 rout of the Jacksonville Jaguars in London was their most complete performance of the season.

Matthew Stafford threw for 182 yards and five touchdowns, carving up Jacksonville’s secondary, while Davonte Adams alone had three receiving touchdowns. Defensively, Braden Fiske anchored a front that completely suffocated the Jaguars’ run game and came up with a combined seven sacks, holding Trevor Lawrence under constant pressure.

Seahawks (5–2): Hanging Right There

The Seattle Seahawks kept pace atop the NFC West with a gritty 27–19 win over the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football, improving to 5–2, and creating a three-way tie with the 49ers and Rams. Quarterback Geno Smith delivered an efficient performance, throwing for 268 yards and two touchdowns. Kenneth Walker III added 89 rushing yards and a score, helping Seattle control the tempo for much of the game. Defensively, Devon Witherspoon and Boye Mafe led a pass rush that hit C.J. Stroud seven times and forced a key red-zone turnover in the fourth quarter. The Seahawks continue to show balance and composure in tight games and their ability to close out opponents late has them looking every bit like a legitimate contender in the NFC West race.

Cardinals (2-5): Murray is Back

The Cardinals may be rebuilding, but they’re not rolling over. Kyler Murray’s return to practice has energized the team, and rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. continues to show flashes of star potential. Despite the record, Arizona’s competitiveness in most games suggests they’re closer than their record indicates.

Division of Depth

The NFC West looks loaded. The 49ers and Rams appear poised for a long-term tug-of-war at the top, while Seattle lurks as a legitimate spoiler and the Cardinals show signs of building something. For now, it’s Northern California versus Southern California, but this division feels far from settled.