How the Rams can take over first place in Week 9

We're at a point in the NFL season where it's still relatively early, but it's also fair to take a look at the playoff picture and division standings. That wasn't an issue for Rams fans a few weeks ago after the team's 1-4 start, but after Los Angeles won two games in five days, it's back in fashion.

In fact, there's a chance they could end up in first place in the NFC West as early as next week. That would have been hard to believe when the Rams were just 1-4, but the divide is wide open.

Here's how the Rams can take the lead in the division.

• The Seahawks lose to the Bills on Sunday
• The Cardinals lose to the Dolphins on Sunday
• The 49ers lose to the Cowboys on Sunday night

If these three things happen, this is what the NFC West will look like after Week 8:

1. Seahawks: 4-4
2. Rams: 3-4
3. Cardinals: 3-5
4. 49ers: 3-5

Then all the Rams would have to do is beat the Seahawks on the road in Week 9, which would put them at 4-4 and the Seahawks at 4-5. The 49ers are out of Week 9, so they're 4-4 at best and the Rams have the tiebreaker in hand with their head-to-head win. The Cardinals have the Bears in Week 9, but if they lose this week, the best they can do after Week 9 is 4-5.

It's still early and the Rams face the Seahawks twice and the Cardinals and 49ers once more, but there's no doubt that Los Angeles is still on course to win the NFC West. You could go from last to first within three weeks.