The NFC West is arguably the most competitive division in the NFL right now, with all four teams having a chance to win the title at the halfway point in the 2024 campaign.
Heading into the season, the San Francisco 49ers were thought to be the team to run away with the division, but Kyle Shanahan’s squad has struggled with injuries and hasn’t lived up to expectations to this point.
The Seattle Seahawks, however, have been able to stay afloat in the standings despite the losing four of its past five games and coming off an embarrassing loss to the Buffalo Bills.
In Week 9, the Seahawks have a chance to bounce back in an important divisional game against the Los Angeles Rams, but they will have to get it done without a couple of important offensive players.
“Seahawks ruled D.K. Metcalf and Noah Fant out against the Rams on Sunday,” Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic wrote on X.
Seahawks ruled DK Metcalf and Noah Fant out against the Rams on Sunday pic.twitter.com/DkaXpwWpG8
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) November 1, 2024
Metcalf not playing against the Rams is a significant loss, but it seems the wide receiver could be trending toward getting back on the field sooner rather than later, according to head coach Mike Macdonald.
DK Metcalf “just needs more time,” Mike Macdonald says. Mike expects DK back after bye but that’s obviously still TBD.
Noah Fant injured his groin in practice and also needs more time, Mike says.
Ernest Jones’ neck stiffened up and he’s day to day.
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) November 1, 2024
Despite this being a home game and Seattle having the better record, Los Angeles is a slight betting favorite, which could point to the Seahawks being without its best wide receiver and top tight end for the divisional showdown.
If Geno Smith can get some of his other receivers to step up, there’s a chance Seattle can pull off the mild upset and remain atop the division.
