Why the NFC West Is the NFL's Best Division, Hands-Down

Asterisk or not, the Seattle Seahawks are 2-1. Placing aside the catastrophic Monday Night Football farce, the NFC West is the best division in the NFL. 

It doesn't feel right listing the Seahawks among the two-win teams, but as wrong as it may be, it's reality.

But let's be fair to the other teams in the division that's recently been known as the "NFC Worst," a division everyone thought would once again be one of the most abysmal in the NFL, with the San Francisco 49ers being the only competitive team. 

There is so much that makes the NFC West a tremendously compelling feel-good story and the deepest division in football. 

Through three weeks of action, the NFC West is the last division to remain undefeated at home—a notable feat. 

In a time when offenses essentially run the league, the NFC West has, almost inconceivably, ascended to the top with strong, stingy and intimidating defenses. 

The Arizona Cardinals, one of three unbeaten clubs, have the most underrated defensive line in the NFL. They've allowed 13 points per game thus far, have 12 total sacks and have forced six turnovers. 

They allow the fifth-fewest yards per drive, and the third-fewest touchdowns per drive. 

Although Kevin Kolb has filled in admirably for injured started John Skelton, the defense has elevated this team to new and frankly unimaginable heights. The early season schedule hasn't been easy, either. 

If I'm talking about defense, I can't omit the San Francisco 49ers. Yes, they were smacked around by a Minnesota Vikings team many perceive as one of those weak rebuilding teams. It was a momentum-halting loss, that's for sure. But don't forget, a week ago, Jim Harbaugh's squadron was clearly the most complete team in the NFL. 

They have too much talent not to bounce back from the stunning defeat. Wins over the Packers in Green Bay and Detroit Lions at home—two fine accomplishments. 

The St. Louis Rams are the lowly 1-2 club in the division. They took Detroit to the final minute in Week 1. Sam Bradford out dueled Robert Griffin III in Week 2, and fell flat on their faces in Week 3. 

It happens. 

As for the Seahawks, well, I'm nearly at a loss for words—not the best predicament to be in as a sports writer. 

They too exemplify the defensive theme of their division. The controversial call has already overshadowed what was a dynamite performance from their defense on Monday Night Football. The eight sacks of Aaron Rodgers stand out.

They should.

Holding him without a touchdown pass for the first time since 2010 and keeping Cedric Benson at a pedestrian 2.6 yards per carry average mustn't be forgotten, either. 

I haven't seen a defense continually fly to the football and punish its opponent with as much ferocity as the Seahawks did last night since, maybe, the 49ers-Saints divisional playoff game last year. And San Fran allowed 32 points at home. 

No, the NFC West won't drop 50 on you, throw for 450 yards or scorch you on the ground for 200. They'll stop the one thing that's looked so easy the last two seasons in the NFL, offense. 

With a 3-0 team, two clubs at 2-1, and a competitive 1-2 team at the bottom of the division, I can't find a better division in the NFL right now, can you? 

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