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Week 8 NFC West preview: Division still open despite Cardinals gaining ground

Week 7 is in the books and some divisions are identifying their division leaders. The NFC West might still be open despite the Arizona Cardinals gaining some ground. The Cardinals picked up a victory over a mediocre Oakland Raiders team, the St. Louis Rams held on to win against the struggling Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers became the second NFC West casualty entering Sports Authority Field.

Here’s a look at Week 8’s NFC West games:

Seattle Seahawks @ Carolina Panthers: Both of these teams started the season strong and have fizzled out as of late. The Panthers were just humiliated by the Green Bay Packers last week after struggling to move the ball. Quarterback Cam Newton passed for only 205 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Running back Jonathan Stewart returned from injury and contributed 50 yards on 13 attempts. If Stewart can regenerate some movement on the ground, this game might belong to the Panthers. However, they must be able stop Russell Wilson through the air and on the ground. The Panthers just haven’t been too successful on the defensive side of the ball.

On the flip side, the key to this game for the Seahawks is if running back Marshawn Lynch shows up to play. He ran for only 53 yards against a terrible Rams rush defense in his last game. The Seahawks must also avoid costly penalties; 10 penalties can definitely lose games.

Prediction: 27-21, Seahawks.

St. Louis Rams @ Kansas City Chiefs: The Governor’s Cup will be determined by two teams that are attempting to salvage their seasons despite have slow starts. When a team has a running back duo like Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis, it’s difficult not to be successful, but when it’s matched with a terrible passing attack that certainly doesn’t help their cause. The Chiefs will need to take advantage of the Rams’ young secondary in order to put up some points on the scoreboard. On the defensive side of the ball, their defensive front will need to apply enough pressure to limit the success of Austin Davis.

The Rams did an excellent job in limiting Marshawn Lynch last week, but they forgot that Russell Wilson is a mobile quarterback and surrendered over 100 yards on the ground to him. That may not happen with Alex Smith, but it’s best not to test his mobility either, because he can still find ways to extend plays. On the offensive side of the ball, the Rams need to get something done on the ground. Tre Mason had moderate success against the Seahawks’ defense, but it’s unknown whether or not running back by committee will remain the offensive game plan. The Rams offensive line performed much better with rookie Greg Robinson in the mix. No sacks were given up, and if that happens against a ruthless Chiefs defensive front, the Rams could run away with the Cup. Should I be so bold and predict another Rams upset?

Prediction: 28-24, Rams.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Arizona Cardinals: This game should be labeled as “Game of the Week.” The scary thing about the Eagles is that their normally strong running game is struggling overall. Running back LeSean McCoy has produced a disappointing season so far, but Darren Sproles has had some success on the ground. The Cardinals did a great job defending against the run despite the countless injuries they have sustained. The Eagles will need to protect Foles, and if they can, they could get a win through the air.

The Eagles defense needs contain running back Andre Ellington, who proved to be a threat on the ground and as a receiver, earning a total of 72 yards off of six receptions against the Raiders last week. Quarterback Carson Palmer is getting back into the swing of things and could lead the Cardinals to victory if the Eagles do not stop the aerial assault.

Prediction: 38-31, Eagles.

Source: ESPN.com

You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams

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