NFC West Predictions, Odds: Rams, 49ers, Seahawks, Cardinals Battle in Wild Wild West

Our NFL season preview concludes with a look at the NFC West. No other division goes on the momentum swings as this one. In the last decade, every single member has won the West at least one time and has come close on multiple other occasions. There are even major swings within seasons, and 2022 was no exception.

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NFC West Preview

Arizona Cardinals

A torn ACL late in the previous campaign means that QB Kyler Murray – the subject of much scrutiny last summer – won’t be available to start the new season. Joshua Dobbs, who played very late in 2022 for Tennessee, has been brought in to hold the fort for now.

This offence looks almost nothing like what the highly touted 2021 and 2022 versions were. Murray is injured, and DeAndre Hopkins and AJ Green have left. Zach Ertz is listed as questionable as we head into Week 1. One of the biggest changes was on the sideline now that Jonathan Gannon is head coach. The Arizona Cardinals sported one of the worst defences last season, and they ranked second-last in points conceded per game.  They need players like free safety Budda Baker to lead the unit to better performances.

Cardinals Record Prediction: 6-11

Los Angeles Rams

From Super Bowl champions to one of the most moribund operations in the NFL. The shift from 2021 to 2022 was mesmerizing for how emphatic the Los Angeles Rams’ fall from grace was. Head coach Sean McVay has, as per accounts, rekindled his zest for life on the sideline of an NFL team, so that’s a start.

Matthew Stafford entering a season actually healthy is another important factor. People can write all they want about how the club may have suffered a Super Bowl hangover last year. Stafford was reportedly suffering an injury his coaching staff described as something that afflicts baseball pitchers. What? No Rams fans want to see Cooper Kupp listed as questionable entering Week 1 but that’s unfortunately the case. Cam Akers is still the lead running back despite his ups and downs. Defensively, it’s all about Aaron Donald.

Rams Record Prediction: 11-6

San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers fans probably didn’t like reading that their 2022 breakout QB star Brock Purdy wasn’t showing much that wowed evaluators in training camp. Then again, Kyle Shanahan is a highly intelligent head coach. It’s wiser to wait to see what the product on the field is before sounding the alarm bells announcing that Purdy was a half-season wonder.

The list of weapons at Purdy’s disposal is ridiculous. RB Christian McCaffrey, WR Deebo Samuel, WR Brandon Ayuk, WR Jauan Jennings, and TE George Kittle (questionable). Short of Purdy regressing embarrassingly, how can this attack not be at least “good?” They also have an excellent defence, and that’s without Nick Boas, who is currently out due to a contract dispute. With so much depth and talent, in addition to a great coaching staff, what’s the issue? A Super Bowl eludes this generation of 49ers. This is year five, give or take, of expectations raised through the roof heading into Week 1. They need to win at least one ring.

49ers Record Prediction: 12-5

Seattle Seahawks

Whatever secret sauce propelled the Seattle Seahawks to a playoff spot in 2022, the club is hoping there is some of it left. When it was felt that the franchise was at a dire crossroads after QB Russell Wilson’s departure for Denver in 2022, they were able to navigate rocky waters and make something honourable of their season.

A lot credit goes to Geno Smith. A forgotten man after his Jets days, he came out of nowhere – or returned from nowhere – to have an excellent season. Does throwing to DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett help? Sure it does, but he still played lights out for most of the year. The Legion of Boom the defence certainly was not. While it performed decently against the pass, they were third-last against the run. Defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. arrives from Tennessee, Jarran Reed is new from Green Bay, and linebacker Boye Mafe is expected to make a leap this year.

Seahawks Record Prediction: 8-9