NFC West stock up, down: Rookie altering Seahawks outlook

Could he be the reason Seattle dethrones the 49ers as NFC West champ?

Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers running back: Even though the 49ers have hit a rut recently, McCaffrey — who's battling injuries — remains one of the best and steadiest players in the league (league-leading 652 yards rushing, plus 292 yards receiving). His touchdown streak is still rolling at 17 consecutive games (including playoffs). 

Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver: Nacua, a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has rapidly emerged as one of quarterback Matthew Stafford's favorite targets and a critical part of the passing game. He is tied for second in the league with 61 receptions, and his 795 yards receiving are third behind only Tyreek Hill and A.J. Brown. The rookie has made several jaw-dropping catches.

Stock down

Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers quarterback: It was only a couple of weeks ago that Purdy was being talked about as a potential MVP contender, but it only takes a few games to change the narrative around a player. 

If you want to be kind, Purdy has looked pretty pedestrian during the 49ers' three-game losing streak. If you want to be realistic, he has looked like a player who went in the seventh round of the draft and who defensive coordinators have now figured out. Over the past three games — all losses — he has thrown five interceptions, fumbled twice and thrown for only three touchdowns. 

Los Angeles Rams defense: Going into their Week 7 game against Pittsburgh, the Rams were 3-3 and looking like they had a chance to be competitive in the wild-card race. Over the next two games — against Pittsburgh and Dallas — Los Angeles has fallen flat. In Week 7, the Rams allowed the Steelers offense — one of the worst in the league — to score three second-half touchdowns in a 24-17 loss. In Week 8, the Cowboys dominated the Rams in a 43-20 win. Now Los Angeles is 21st points against per game (23).

Marquise Brown, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver: After a strong start to the season, Brown has seen his production fall off dramatically. Over the past three games, he has 116 yards on 13 catches (on 27 targets). In 2022, the Cardinals sent a first-round pick to the Ravens for Brown and a third-round pick, expecting the wideout to be a deep threat. Instead, he has averaged only 10.7 yards per catch.