49ers Now Given Best Odds to Win NFC West After 4-0 Start
- Another week another win for the San Francisco 49ers
- Their fourth straight victory has led them to becoming the slight favorites to win their division
- See the updated odds to win the NFC West below
It’s been a spectacular start to the season for the San Francisco 49ers. Following their 31-3 drubbing over the Cleveland Browns, they have placed themselves in a great position to win the NFC West. At least, that is according to the oddsmakers.
NFC West Division Winner Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| San Francisco 49ers | +140 |
| Los Angeles Rams | +150 |
| Seattle Seahawks | +250 |
| Arizona Cardinals | +5000 |
*Odds taken 10/08/2019
Just one week ago the numbers on this table were essentially flipped on these NFL divisional odds. The Rams had a healthy lead to win the division at -130, while the 49ers were given a +230 chance of winning. The Seahawks once again came in third with +350 odds.
From a competitive standpoint, there may be no division that contains more talent. The 49ers may have the edge right now in terms of odds but they shouldn’t feel too comfortable with the slight lead as of yet.
Scheduling Advantages
Arguably no other team in the NFL has been afforded an easier schedule through the first four games than the 49ers. They managed to pick up a win against an inconsistent Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 49ers followed that up with a victory over the still winless Cincinnati Bengals.
Nick Bosa beats a double team, falls down and still sacks Baker Mayfield. #49ers
(?: @thecheckdown)pic.twitter.com/NJNrTIih4i— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) October 8, 2019
The following week saw them face off against a Pittsburgh Steelers squad that was without Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and of course they just finished destroying the Cleveland Browns by almost 30 points.
With one-quarter of the season over, their schedule will get a bit more difficult but only slightly.
Their next game will come against a divisional rival in the Los Angeles Rams but after that they receive a few more breaks. Games against the Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals and winless Cincinnati Bengals don’t exactly strike fear into the hearts of 49ers fans.
The backend of their schedule however, gets considerably tougher but by that time they would have already fed on the abysmal teams that are on their schedule.
The Rest of the Competition
It isn’t surprising to see the 49ers as the favorite in the division, but it is a bit of a head-scratcher to see the Rams with a better chance of escaping with the division crown over the Seahawks.
Quarterback Russell Wilson has looked like a bonafide MVP candidate through five weeks of the season. He currently leads the league in passing touchdowns. He checks in at number three in quarterback ratings, first in passer ratings and oh yeah he is the only starting quarterback outside of those who have been injured who has failed to throw an interception on the year.
.@DangeRussWilson worked his magic last night ✨
✨ 17/23, 268 passing yards
✨ 4 touchdowns
✨ 151.8 passer rating@Seahawks | #Seahawks pic.twitter.com/qSdBocyaUV— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2019
To sum it up, Willson has been lights out all season long.
How about the Los Angeles Rams? The former Super Bowl runner-ups have lost two in a row to drop to 3-2 on the season. Don’t be fooled by their current record.
Cooper Kupp through Week 5
?63 Targets
?41 Receptions
?505 Yards
?4 TouchdownsNow has 4 consecutive games of 100 yards receiving
@FantasyFreaks_ #Rams #NFL #FantasyFootball pic.twitter.com/cmJtjBsn0v— D Brown (@DBrownFF88) October 5, 2019
They still possess a ton of talent and have the benefit of one of the easier schedules going down the stretch. Two matchups against the Arizona Cardinals and one against the Steelers and Bengals ensure that they will be in the mix at the end of the season.
Best Bet
The 49ers may have the lead in the division now but don’t expect them to run away with it. Both the Rams and the Seahawks are great teams in their own right.
At this point it is difficult to know just what kind of team exactly are the 49ers. They currently have the Dallas Cowboys effect. Meaning, they look great early on but they could be exposed against better competition. They’re a good team make no mistake about it, but a great one? I have my questions.
These three teams are going to be close all season long but if you simply can’t wait to see how things shake out before you put your money down, then take the Seahawks.
Look, it just doesn’t make any sense why they have the third-best odds to win the division. They are just one game in the loss column back and they seem to be clicking on all cylinders. If there is anybody that you can trust with your money, it is definitely Russell Wilson.
Hans Themistode has worked in sports journalism since attending Queens College, and has worked for several newspapers including the BX Times and Canarsie Courier, as well as writing for publications such as Fansided and The Clever. His work has also been featured on Bleacher Report.
