NFC West stock report: Is this the NFL’s strongest division after Week 1?
Second in a series that will take a quick look at what’s happening with the 49ers’ opposition in the NFC West.
A weekly look at how the 49ers’ opposition is faring in the NFC West:
Seattle Seahawks (1-0) Next: vs. Tennessee
Buy: The debut of first-time play-caller Shane Waldron was a big success in a 28-16 win in Indianapolis. The Seahawks rushed for 140 yards on 27 carries and Russell Wilson passed just 23 times — but displayed his usual downfield capability with 254 yards and four touchdowns. It’s a mix that could keep Wilson from taking a beating.
Sell: Running back Chris Carson had 91 yards rushing and will be a feature back in the Waldron offense but he lost another fumble. It’s been a problem in the past (he fumbled seven times in 2019) and something Carson will need to fix or coach Pete Carroll will look elsewhere.
Wait and see: Starting cornerbacks Tre Flowers on the right and former 49er D.J. Reed on the left had no glaring errors, but they gave up some first downs and Reed had a late pass interference call. It remains to be seen whether they hold up especially if the opponent is pass blocking well.
Los Angeles Rams (1-0) Next at Indianapolis
Buy: Matt Stafford (20 of 26 for 321 yards) threw the kind of deep ball Sean McVay was hoping for with touchdowns of 67 yards to Van Jefferson and 56 yards to Cooper Kupp. Stafford’s one of those passers you don’t appreciate in terms of arm strength until you see him in person.
Sell: The Bears were pretty effective at running up the gut on a Rams defense that didn’t surrender 100 yards to a running back all last season. David Montgomery exploited the Los Angeles interior defense for 16 carries and 108 yards. Not what you expect to see with any defense featuring Aaron Donald.
Wait and see: McVay is a Jon Gruden disciple from way back, which means he believes in the running game and offensive balance. The Bears aren’t exactly soft touches against the run, but the Rams were hoping for better than 23 carries, 74 yards and a 3.2 average.
Arizona Cardinals (1-0) Next: vs. Minnesota
Buy: Kyler Murray was incredible (21 of 32, 289 yards, four TDs, plus one rushing touchdown as the Cardinals punched Tennessee in the mouth from the outset. But everybody was worried about him anyway. What division foes didn’t need to see was Chandler Jones cleaning up with five sacks and two forced fumbles — in part because J.J. Watt played 46 snaps on the defensive line.
Sell: Hard to find fault with what might have been the most convincing win of any team in the NFL in Week 1 other than New Orleans over Green Bay. Keep in mind the Cardinals jumped to a 24-6 halftime lead and their average drive start was the 44-yard line. Don’t be deceived. It won’t always be this easy.
Wait and see: From a fantasy perspective, if you took A.J. Green (2 catches 25 yards in 55 snaps), you might want to consider swapping out for Christian Kirk (5 catches, 70 yards, 2 TDs in 39 snaps). He could end up being the No. 2 option behind DeAndre Hopkins.
49ers (1-0) Next: at Philadelphia
Buy: The 49ers offense should be as good as advertised and the Jimmy Garoppolo-Trey Lance dynamic will only enhance their attack rather than diminish it. Running back Elijah Mitchell looks to be the latest late-round find by coach Kyle Shanahan, and the Niners will need him with Raheem Mostert out two months after a knee injury.
Sell: The Lions did a lot of damage up the middle running the ball. The Lions averaged 4.8 yards per carry, and although coach Dan Campbell has vowed to upgrade a perennially weak rushing attack, it was surprising to see the 49ers give ground so easily.
Wait and see: The 49ers pass rush got occasional pressure but sacked Jared Goff only twice despite 57 pass attempts. With a 38-10 lead, you’d have expected the pass rush to close the deal. The good news? Nick Bosa had 51 snaps, got one sack and is presumably healthy.