The NFC West continues to impress in the Week 14 DVOA rankings, showcasing dominance with significant victories from both the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams. Following the Rams’ decisive 45-17 win against the Arizona Cardinals, the race between these two teams has tightened considerably. In terms of regular DVOA, the Seahawks and Rams are now separated by less than 1%. Weighted DVOA, which emphasizes recent performance, places the Rams ahead of the Seahawks, still maintaining this close margin.
NFC West Teams Soar Above Historical DVOA Standards
Both teams have achieved DVOA ratings over 40%, aligning them with some of the best performances in the history of the metric. This season is remarkable as it marks the third consecutive year wherein multiple teams have challenged DVOA records previously established before 2023.
Top DVOA Performances Through 13 Games
The table below illustrates where the Seahawks and Rams rank among all teams with 13 games played since 1978:
| Year | Team | Record | DVOA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | NE | 13-0 | 59.2% |
| 1991 | WAS | 12-1 | 50.5% |
| 1985 | CHI | 12-1 | 47.1% |
| 1998 | DEN | 13-0 | 46.0% |
| 2023 | SF | 10-3 | 45.3% |
| 2023 | SEA | 10-3 | 42.0% |
| 2023 | LAR | 10-3 | 41.3% |
Current DVOA Rankings
- Detroit Lions: Moved to third place following a 44-30 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
- Indianapolis Colts: Dropped to fourth due to quarterback challenges, fielding either rookie Riley Leonard or veteran Philip Rivers.
- Green Bay Packers: Maintain fifth position as Kansas City and Houston vie for sixth.
- Buffalo Bills: Currently hold the tenth spot in the rankings.
Week 14 Observations
Notable shifts in DVOA ratings this week highlight the impact of recent performance. The Miami Dolphins, who started the season poorly, now boast a 2.3% weighted DVOA after winning five out of six games. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles exhibit contrasting stats, improving defensively but struggling offensively after their Week 9 bye.
The New York Jets continue to garner attention by ranking as the top special teams unit ever tracked by DVOA through 13 games. They are closely watching the historical performance of the 1987 Saints for the overall top position.
Conclusion
The NFC West’s dominance continues to shape the competitive landscape of the NFL as we move deeper into the season. The close DVOA margins between teams indicate an exciting conclusion to the season, with both the Rams and Seahawks showcasing their capacity to challenge historical benchmarks.
