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The NFC West didn't fare well this week, with three of four teams losing, and the fourth team, the San Francisco 49ers, winning only because they were playing an inter-divisional game and an NFC West victor was guaranteed.
The Niners got themselves an ugly win over the Seattle Seahawks, who struggled mightily behind quarterback Russell Wilson's worst game of the season. It was a game decided on the ground and at the front lines, with defense, and San Fran's offense doing just enough to take the win. The 49ers now stand alone atop the division.
The St. Louis Rams fell victim to the resurgence of Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. Rodgers had three touchdown passes and went 30-for-37 for 342 yards. Running back Steven Jackson got his first rushing touchdown of the season, and that was the best part of the game for the Rams. But the team gets a nice break from things next week as they travel to London to face off against the New England Patriots.
And finally, the Arizona Cardinals dropped their third straight game since starting 4-0, losing to 21-14 to the Minnesota Vikings on the road. Wunderkind Christian Ponder had a terrible game, completing only eight passes, with two interceptions, but Adrian Peterson lashed the Cardinals with 153 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. John Skelton, in his second game since returning from injury, couldn't muster any magic.
Here's what SB Nation's team blogs had to say about the games:
49ers vs. Seahawks: Frank Gore, second half adjustments key SF victory - Niners Nation
The 49ers could not have looked much worse in the first half, as they could get nothing going on offense, and the defense was getting gashed by Marshawn Lynch. Fortunately, the team figured some things out in the locker room and controlled much of the second half.
Seahawks lose on the road to 49ers, 13-6 - Field Gulls
This is a growing team and though it may not really feel like it, they're still one of the youngest teams in the NFL ... It's going to be close, as Pete Carroll pointed out, probably every week.
Rams rally, but fall short against the Packers - Turf Show Times
The St. Louis Rams lost to the Green Bay Packers, an outcome that was not unexpected given the way these two teams matched up on paper heading into the game.
Arizona Cardinals lose third straight game to Minnesota Vikings, go down 21-14 - Revenge of the Birds
After starting the season undefeated, the Arizona Cardinals have now lost 3 games in a row to drop to 4-3, putting them one game behind the 1st Place 49ers.