Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals traveled to Caesar’s Superdome to face the New Orleans Saints and walked away with a 20-13 win. Kyler Murray was steady in the passing game; finishing 21-29 for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns, despite the offensive line surrendering 5 sacks. One of Murray’s touchdown strikes was to second year and potential breakout player Marvin Harrison Jr. The other was via a goalline shovel pass to James Connor.
To no one’s surpise, Jonathan Gannon’s defense held the New Orleans Saints offense in check. Spencer Rattler could only net 214 passing yards on 46 passing attempts.
Arizona moves to 1-0 to start the year and will head home to Glendale, AZ to host the 0-1 Carolina Panthers next week. Carolina is coming off an away loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco traveled to Seattle in a Week 1 divisional game. The 49ers got on the board first with a Brock Purdy five yard pass to George Kittle. George Kittle was forced out of the game due to a hamstring injury. Purdy did toss two interceptions but when it mattered most, he found Ricky Pearsall late in the 4th quarter for a big gain. He then connected with Jake Tonges for the game winning score.
Despite a number of free agency departures, the San Francisco defense showed significant promise. They only allowed 14 first downs and only surrendered 230 total yards.
The 49ers will travel to New Orleans in a Week 2 matchup.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks were the only NFC West team to lose in Week 1. Despite playing at home and being favored by +2.5, the Seahawks allowed a late score.
Seattle changed its quarterback room in 2025; trading Geno Smith and adding Sam Darnold. In addition, former Super Bowl LVI MVP Cooper Kupp was added after his release. The only bright spot on offense appeared to be Jaxon Smith-Njigba who caught 9 passes (13 targets) for 124 yards. Kupp, who signed a 3 year $45 million deal, only had 2 receptions (3 targets) for 15 yards.
Seattle will travel east in Week 2 to face the 1-0 Pittsburgh Steelers.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams won a hard fought game against the Houston Texans. Los Angeles struggled to get momentum with their offense early due to a few injuries to Puka Nacua, Steve Avila, and Colby Parkinson. However, after Puka Nacua returned from a cut above his eye, Stafford and the offense managed to move the chains on 3rd down; converting 7/13 times in those opportunities. Puka Nacua was the difference maker; hauling in 10 receptions (11 targets) for 130 yards. Davante Adams served as wide receiver 1B in his Rams debut; adding 4 receptions for 51 yards.
The defense was phenomenal throughout. Cobie Durant forced an interception early in the second half. But the biggest play of the game belonged to Nate Landman who wears the green dot for defensive play calling. With Houston driving in Rams territory, Landman punched the ball out from running back Dare Ogunbowale. Braden Fiske leaped across the ground for the recovery; allowing the Rams to then run out the clock.
Los Angeles will travel to 0-1 Tennessee in Week 2.
Standings:
T1. San Francisco 49ers: 1-0
T1. Arizona Cardinals: 1-0
T1. Los Angeles Rams: 1-0
4. Seattle Seahawks: 0-1
Just after one week, the NFC West has shown that it will be a competitive, if not the most competitive division in football. But for now, the Rams are amongst the top and trending in the right direction after taking down the 2024 AFC South champion Houston Texans.
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