The Los Angeles Rams slipped to a 2-1 record after three games and are no longer atop the NFC West. It's nothing to worry about, yet. But it's going to be a tough season with a first-place team record while other teams face a far less challenging schedule.
That's not by accident. The NFL designed annual scheduling to churn the standings. The schedule process allows struggling teams to win, and forces successful teams to struggle.
The San Francisco 49ers are benefiting from that scheduling design. The Niners have already defeated two division rivals, and with a 3-0 record, has a commanding lead in the NFC West after three games.