Arguably the toughest division in the NFL, the NFC West has boasted a team in the Super Bowl in each of the past three seasons. As the Seahawks strive for a third consecutive trip to the Super Bowl and the Cardinals look to earn a playoff spot in back-to-back years, the 49ers and Rams will attempt to restore their relevancy in the division’s treacherous landscape.
1st place: Seattle Seahawks
A handoff to Marshawn Lynch could have changed this team’s fortunes back in February but it’s a new season and the two-time defending NFC champion is back with a vengeance. Seattle has bolstered its aerial attack via the acquisition of tight end Jimmy Graham.
Offensive Division Ranking: 1
The addition of Graham brings an entirely new dynamic to the Seahawks’ offensive artillery. Russell Wilson, who was recently signed to a lucrative deal, now has a formidable weapon downfield. On the ground last season, the Seahawks led the way in the NFL with the most rushing yards and touchdowns. Expect a slightly more balanced offense this year but one that is just as strong, if not stronger.
Defensive Division Ranking: 1
At 35-years-old, Seahawks defensive coordinator Kris Richard is the youngest to hold such a title at the highest level. With the departure of Dan Quinn, the man who “built” the Legion of Boom will take over the reigns. In addition to a secondary highlighted by Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Cary Williams that petrifies opposing signal callers, the Seahawks boast a defensive front that is just as menacing. Seattle added nose tackle Ahtya Rubin in free agency and drafted defensive end Frank Clark. Look for the Seahawks to maintain their superior defensive rank.
Expected Win Total: 13
The Seahawks are simply the most formidable team in the NFC. Look for them to take the NFC West crown again this year and do not be surprised if they are playing some meaningful football in February also.
2nd place: Arizona Cardinals
In 2014, the Arizona Cardinals returned the to the playoffs for the first time in five years but failed to win a playoff game. With reigning Coach of the Year Bruce Arians at the helm, the Cardinals are hungry for more.
Offensive Division Ranking: 2
When 90-year-old, er, 35-year-old Carson Palmer starts at quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, they are 16-6. Last season with Palmer under center the Cardinals enjoyed a 6-0 mark. Word around the league is that Palmer is in just as good shape as he’s ever been. If running back Andre Ellington stays healthy and Arizona’s trio of receivers Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and John Brown provide solid production, the Cardinals offense could be in for a good year.
Defensive Division Ranking: 3
The Cardinals also lost their defensive coordinator to a head-coaching job as Todd Bowles earned the top spot in New York with the Jets. Former outside linebackers coach James Betcher will take the job and be tasked with rejuvenating a defense that has lost cornerback Antonio Cromartie in the offseason and recorded only 35 sacks last season. Arizona still has a talented secondary fueled by Tyrann Mathieu, but its defense will be the x-factor that will differentiate the team between a playoff and a Super Bowl contender.
Expected Win Total: 12
The defense will be good enough and the offense will be superb. The Seahawks are stronger and better, but Arizona will still have a very successful year behind them.
3rd place: San Francisco 49ers
The times are turbulent in San Francisco. From retirements to suspensions to a falling out with head coach Jim Harbaugh, the 49ers stint as an elite team in the NFC appears to have come to a close. Jim Tomsula has been tabbed as Harbaugh’s replacement and will have an uphill battle as he tried to lead this team.
Offensive Division Ranking: 3
With guard Mike Iupati’s departure and tackle Anthony Davis’ sudden retirement, San Francisco’s offensive line has deteriorated. Running back Frank Gore and wide receiver Michael Crabtree are gone, and quarterback Colin Kaepernick is at a crossroads in his career. Look for second-year running back Carlos Hyde to provide a breakout campaign but do not expect the 49ers offense to impress.
Defensive Division Ranking: 4
No group in the NFL suffered more this offseason than the San Francisco defensive front. Linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland and defensive end Justin Smith have hung up their uniforms for the last time. Legal troubles have terminated defensive end Ray McDonald’s and possibly also linebacker Ahmad Brooks’ tenures with the team. Rookies Arik Armstead and Eli Harold should help the front seven recover but they will not fix the team’s problems overnight.
Expected Win Total: 5
The 49ers endured a tumultuous offseason and will need a strong leader in a time of struggle. I’m not convinced that Jim Tomsula is the man for the job.
4th place: St. Louis Rams
While Jeff Fisher and the Rams have improved over the years, they have been buried beneath the behemoths of their division. In the offseason, St. Louis traded Sam Bradford and his constantly injured knees for a quarterback with a pro bowl appearance in Nick Foles. Whether Foles will return to Pro Bowl status and/or the Rams will return the playoff remains to be seen.
Offensive Division Ranking: 4
With the close of the Sam Bradford era in St. Louis, the Foles period begins. First round draft pick running back Todd Gurley has the potential to become the best rusher in the NFL, but he may not have a ton to contribute this season. With no elite receivers and a shaky offensive line, the Rams might have the worst offense in the NFL.
Defensive Division Ranking: 2
While the Rams lack talent throughout their roster, their defensive line is a premier unit in the league. Last year’s defensive rookie of the year Aaron Donald, elite pass-rusher Robert Quinn, Chris Long, Michael Brockers, Nick Fairley and William Hayes make up the line. The question this season will be whether the Rams entire defense can maintain consistency. As the only NFC West team with a returning defensive coordinator, their familiarity with Greg Williams should help.
Expected Win Total: 4
I don’t envision much success in St. Louis in 2015, at least not for their football team. This season could mark the end of Fisher’s tenure with the team and the beginning of a rebuild. They can’t blame Bradford’s knees anymore.
Liam’s picks: Seattle, Arizona, St. Louis, San Francisco
Lamar’s picks: Seattle, Arizona, San Francisco, St. Louis
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