49ers stumble allows Seahawks to slide into first place in NFC West
Without even setting foot on the field in Week 8, the Seattle Seahawks have moved into first place in the NFC West.
As the end of October quickly approached, a three-team logjam formed atop the NFC West.
The Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams all entered Week 8 at 5-2, though the Niners held the division lead thanks to their 3-0 record against other NFC West foes. That gave San Francisco the tiebreaker over both Seattle and Los Angeles.
However, the 49ers falling 26-15 to the Houston Texans dropped San Francisco to 5-3 and out of the tie with Los Angeles and Seattle.
With the Rams winless against NFC West opponents, having dropped their lone division contest to the Niners, the Seahawks take over first place thanks to the tiebreaker courtesy of their Week 4 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
With both the Rams and Cardinals also enjoying a bye in Week 8, the Seahawks are assured to hold the division lead through the Week. However, given that Los Angeles hosts the New Orleans Saints in a late game in Week 9, while Seattle travels to the other Washington to take on the Commanders on Sunday Night Football, it’s likely that the Seahawks will be in second place when they next take to the field.
And now it’s on to the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football in Week 9.
Broncos Urged to Trade for $14 Million Pro Bowler Amid Surprising Report
The Denver Broncos could get a veritable gift from one of their AFC rivals in the form of a ready-made option to help quarterback Bo Nix before the trade deadline.
A recent report suggests that Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., a Pro Bowler and the No. 23 overall pick of the 2024 draft, is available for the right price. It is, however, unclear what that price would be.
There would be several suitors for Thomas in a trade, and the Broncos could stand to join them.
Broncos Trade Pitch Lands Jaguars WR Briant Thomas Jr.
GettyBrian Thomas Jr. #7 of the Jacksonville Jaguars reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers.
Thomas, the Jaguars’ No. 1 receiver last season, is off to a slow start this year, despite his team’s 4-3 record. They are on a bye in Week 8. Thomas has 26 receptions for 365 yards and 1 touchdown this season and a 114-1,647-1 line for his career.
This trade pitch sends premium draft capital to the Jaguars for Thomas.
Broncos get:
- Brian Thomas Jr.
Jaguars get:
- 2026 second-round pick
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini wrote on October 25 that, “The Jaguars are listening on calls for WR Brian Thomas Jr., even if a move feels highly unlikely.”
That led KOA’s Ryan Edwards to suggest the Broncos get involved, even if the cost is high.
“I have no idea why the Jags would even consider moving Brian Thomas,” Edwards posted on X on October 25 in reaction to Russini’s report. “This is a move I would 1000% do if I’m the #Broncos assuming you could get away with sending a 2nd rounder…might even consider sending my 1st.”
However, Edwards’ KOA colleague, Benjamin Allbright, pushed back on the idea that the Broncos are or even should be interested in a trade for Thomas, basing his argument partly on their current personnel, with Courtland Sutton still Nix’s top target.
“He plays the same position Sutton does,” Allbright responded to one fan on X, adding in another post, “Maybe guard or tight end, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I didn’t do anything at all.”
Injuries have forced the Broncos to their third left guard.
Inconsistency has been an added factor in the lack of production from offseason free agent signing Evan Engram at tight end. However, the Broncos’ passing attack also ranked 22nd in net yards per attempt.
WR Called Broncos’ ‘Biggest Need’
GettyCourtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Despite the uncertainty along their offensive line and some issues at linebacker, NFL.com’s Kevin Patra called wide receiver the Broncos’ “biggest need” as the trade deadline approaches following Week 9.
Patra argued that a trade to acquire a tight end “in the mold of Mark Andrews or David Njoku” could prove “easier.”
However, trading for a receiver “could boost this inconsistent offense.”
“The issue for Denver is an offense that goes into lulls. Outside of Courtland Sutton, the Broncos don’t have a wideout who can consistently win one-on-one. Marvin Mims Jr. flashes now and again. Ditto Troy Franklin. Tight end Evan Engram has been up-and-down (mostly down),” Patra wrote in an article published on October 21.
“Denver surely hoped the young players would grow into bigger roles this season. That said, the Broncos are sitting in first in the AFC West, meaning now is the time to go all-in and acquire another weapon for Bo Nix.”
Thomas is in Year 2 of a four-year, $14.6 million contract. The Broncos have $5.2 million in room, but Over The Cap projects a $49.5 million surplus in 2026.
The 2025 trade deadline is on November 4 at 4 p.m. ET.
