Seahawks Lead; Rams, Raiders Use Bye

The Seahawks are 5-2 and atop the NFC West during their Week 8 bye, expecting injured defensive starters Devon Witherspoon, Julian Love and Derick Hall to return as they prepare for Washington. Seattle’s midseason surge has been fueled by Sam Darnold’s efficient passing, a breakout receiving season from Jaxon Smith‑Njigba and a defense ranking among the NFL’s best against both the run and pass. The Rams, also on a Week 8 bye, are using the break to get healthy while relying on strong coaching from Sean McVay and play from Matthew Stafford, and have adjusted their offense after Puka Nacua’s absence by experimenting with tight‑end–heavy formations. Tutu Atwell recently earned a contract extension and praise for his professionalism but is still seeing limited snaps and targets behind Nacua and Davante Adams. The Las Vegas Raiders are 2-5 after a 31-0 loss to the Chiefs, with an offense ranked near the bottom in EPA per play and growing calls for internal changes as Pete Carroll and Geno Smith try to right the ship.