NFC West Power Rankings: Week Seven

2 – St. Louis Rams, 3-3 (Last Week: 2)

Oct 25, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) scores his second touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

St. Louis Rams’ running back Todd Gurley was compared to Seahawks’ running back Marshawn Lynch quite often before the draft this past offseason. But Lynch has never enjoyed the type of three-week success that Gurley has in his first three starts. Gurley has racked up 433 yards on 68 carries, 6.5 yards per carry, and scored his first two NFL touchdowns this past Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Gurley is definitely the real deal so far, and the scariest part is that he may not be 100 percent yet following his knee surgery in his last year at Georgia. NFL defenses, look out.

Quarterback Nick Foles did exactly what he needed to do last week. He played safe, turnover-free football, managing the game as Gurley ran wild. Foles doesn’t need to do much in the Rams’ offense, but if he can play smart with the ball and limit turnovers, Gurley, and the defense, will allow this team to win some games.

Speaking of the defense, the Rams forced four turnovers against the Browns, all on fumbles, accumulated four sacks, and did an excellent job of getting off the field on third downs, as Cleveland converted just three times in 12 chances of third down.

The Rams are following a pretty simple recipe for success so far. Let the great running back do his work, play smart in the passing game, and play good defense. The Rams have a matchup with the 49ers on deck, and with the way the 49ers are playing, St. Louis should be able to follow that formula again.

Next: Leader of the Pack