Updated NFC West Power Rankings: Week 9

Oct 26, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back

(24) runs the ball while Carolina Panthers defensive back

(42) pursues during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Panthers 13-9. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

#3: Seattle Seahawks

Record: 4-3

Next: Oakland

Before chastising me for ranking the defending World Champions third in their own division, give me a second to offer my thoughts.

There’s disarray surrounding this team. Marshawn Lynch will not return next season, as the oft-quiet but volatile running back has ‘worn out’ the front office with his antics. He received just 60% of the carries against the Panthers and figures to be a disgruntled player for the remaining nine games. Bad news for the Pacific Northwest. 

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All of this, of course, came after the team abruptly traded Percy Harvin – another player that created friction in the locker room – to the Jets last week.

It’s not rocket science. There are chemistry issues with this team, and how it will affect them remains to be seen. Their defense was lifeless against Dallas and St. Louis, and they won in the last second against a Carolina team that is a shell of its former self.

It’s possible the Seahawks rise above their recent issues, but they are not a Super Bowl worthy team at this moment, yet rather a talented team that is simply trying to stay relevant in their own division.

I’m not counting them out, as they are still the Champs. Being said, the two teams ranked above them are trending up.

Nobody wants to play Seattle, but if you’re going to beat them, now’s the time.