In the NFC West Report, we keep you covered on the San Francisco 49ers divisional rivals.
Just three games into the 2015 season, one NFC West team has already created some breathing room at the top of the standings with an unblemished start.
The remaining three clubs sit tied for second place at 1-2, hoping to chase down the frontrunner in the desert.
As the 49ers prepare to host the Green Bay Packers, here's what's happening around the division.
Arizona Cardinals (3-0)
Week 3:47-7 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Notes:As the 49ers saw first-hand on Sunday, the Cardinals appear to be firing an all cylinders. They rank first in the NFL in points per game (42) and tied for third in points allowed per game (16.3).
Carson Palmer finished his day 20-of-32 passing for 311 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. His 117.8 quarterback rating is fourth in the league, trailing only Aaron Rodgers, Andy Dalton and Tom Brady. Larry Fitzgerald is also continuing his renaissance, as the wideout surpassed 100 receiving yards for the second straight week. The Arizona defense recorded four takeaways resulting in 24 points.
Week 4:Arizona hosts the St. Louis Rams (1-2) on Sunday.
St. Louis Rams (1-2)
Week 3:12-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Notes:The Rams successfully limited the high-powered Steelers offense on Sunday, even though Ben Roethlisberger left the game in the third quarter with a knee injury. Still, the St. Louis defense kept its team in the game by surrendering just 12 points and 259 yards. The unit also intercepted Roethlisberger and tallied five sacks.
The offense, however, failed to get in the end zone, settling for two field goals. Nick Foles completed 19-of-28 passes for 197 yards, an interception and a 73.1 quarterback rating. First-round draft pick Todd Gurley made his NFL debut, but like the rest of the Rams ground attack, he was held completely in check. Gurley rushed six times for nine of the team's 71 yards on the ground.
Week 4:St. Louis visits the Arizona Cardinals (3-0) on Sunday.
Seattle Seahawks (1-2)
Week 3:26-0 victory over the Chicago Bears.
Notes:Facing a depleted Chicago Bears team without Jay Cutler, the Seahawks only carried a 6-0 lead into halftime. But after the slow start, Seattle flipped the switch in the second half. Rookie return man Tyler Lockett delivered his second special teams touchdown of the early season when he scored on a 105-yard kickoff return to open the third quarter. Then, after being held to just one catch in Week 2 versus the Packers, Jimmy Graham caught a 30-yard touchdown pass and finished the game with 83 receiving yards. Backup running back Thomas Rawls had 16 carries for 104 yards in place of a hurt Marshawn Lynch, who suffered what is believed to be a minor hamstring injury.
The Seattle defense was dominant all afternoon, only allowing seven first downs and 146 total yards in the shutout. The game also saw the 2015 debut of Pro Bowl safety Kam Chancellor, who ended his holdout earlier in the week and recorded one tackle against the Bears. The Seahawks rank third in the NFL in total defense, allowing 286.3 yards per game.
Week 4:Seattle hosts the Detroit Lions (0-3) on Monday.
