Why the Cardinals have a better chance to steal division from Rams than the Seahawks
Contrary to popular opinion, the biggest threat to the Los Angeles Rams hoisting the NFC West crown this season isn’t the Seattle Seahawks but instead the Arizona Cardinals.
1st place – Rams at 8-6
2nd place – Seahawks at 8-6
3rd place – Cardinals at 7-7
4th place – 49ers dead in the water
LA plays Arizona in Week 17 followed by Seattle in Week 18. The Cardinals won their last matchup against the Rams, and LA is looking for a season sweep over the Seahawks.
The Cardinals have the most favorable schedule remaining, and it all comes down to Week 17 when they travel to LA to take on the Rams:
Cardinals remaining schedule:
Week 16: at Carolina Panthers
Week 17: at Los Angeles Rams
Week 18: vs San Francisco 49ers
The Panthers might be the most winnable game remaining of the entire slate listed. While Bryce Young is looking much-improved and Carolina is usually able to keep things close, it’s difficult to see Arizona not taking care of business with the postseason potentially on the line. If the Cardinals win, all eyes will be on them and the Rams in Week 17.
Already eliminated from playoff contention, what incentive do the 49ers have to put Brock Purdy on the field for a meaningless game in Week 18—especially considering that San Francisco will likely sign their quarterback to a long-term extension this offseason.
I’ll also take a little victory lap for calling the Cardinals’ resurgence prior to the start of the regular season and way back in June. Few expected them to compete for a playoff berth this year.
Rams remaining schedule:
Week 16: at New York Jets
Week 17: vs Arizona Cardinals
Week 18: vs Seattle Seahawks
Taking down the Jets is easier said then done. Aaron Rodgers is still playing at a high level despite the offense feeling disjointed and not providing layups through the scheme.
There’s little chance that LA will be resting starters in Week 18, which is a change from the last few seasons when they’ve already had a playoff berth locked up.
Seahawks remaining schedule:
Week 16: vs Minnesota Vikings
Week 17: at Chicago Bears
Week 18: at Los Angeles Rams
The Bears are one of the more enigmatic teams in the NFL. Though one thing is certain: Seattle won’t be facing their former offensive coordinator in Shane Waldron as he was fired mid-season. It’s difficult to see Seattle beating a hot Minnesota team that is now fighting for first place in the NFC North.
Geno Smith’s injury clouds Seattle’s future
Veteran QB Geno Smith was unable to finish the Sunday Night Football game against the Green Bay Packers after going down with a knee injury. Sam Howell came in as his replacement.
The first impression is that Smith will be OK, though he will undergo further testing early this week. Missing any time at all would jeopardize the Seahawks’ postseason hopes.
