With the NFL schedules fully released and all game dates and bye weeks decided, it is time to take a look at the teams and see how they will shape out. For this fourth part we will take a look at the NFC West, make record predictions, and explain our thoughts related to each team.
49ers (13-4)
The 49ers should pretty much be considered surefire favorites for this division for years to come. They easily have the most well built out team on both sides of the ball, and it has shown in their play in the past few seasons. Even when Brock Purdy, who started his rookie year as a 3rd string QB, was forced into action after Jimmy Garoppolo went down with injury, there was never a thought that their season was over. They almost had it last year, so they will surely be coming back hyped up and ready to go. Kyle Shanahan knows how to coach a football team, but now he has to do it in the Super Bowl.
Rams (9-8)
Their 2023-24 season proved that their Super Bowl Hangover was just that, a hangover. They were plagued with injuries from the start and never truly had a chance to get their campaign off the ground. Last year, the tandem of Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp bounced back in a major way, and young playmakers Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua emerged to carry the team back to the playoffs. Despite losing in the first round to an energized Lions squad, they left feeling like they still had a little bit left in the tank, ready to prove that in 2024. They could struggle with out former DPOY Aaron Donald, but if history tells us anything, they will contend for a wild card spot yet again.
Cardinals (7-10)
I'm hesitant, but for now I have faith in this Cardinals team with Marvin Harrison Jr. added to the mix. Kyler Murray finally has help, and it is in the form of one of the most hyped up non-QB prospects of all time. The major piece however, will be precisely everyone outside of Murray and Harrison Jr. Can the defense hold up? Can they get actual RB production? Can they hold off on the injury bug? All of these questions and more will determine the fate of a critical season in Glendale.
Seahawks (6-11)
I'm not high on the Seahawks, and for a good reason. Geno Smith struggled at times last season, and I believe they should have gone after a QB more agressively in the offseason, whether it be through the draft or in free agency. Either way, I believe this will be his last season in a Seattle uniform and posibly in the NFL (because he would retire, I'm sure teams would want him as a solid veteran backup). Still, they do have excellent skill players in Kenneth Walker, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett, so they still have a chance to contend in a packed NFC West.
Final Standings (NFC)
1) 49ers - 13-4
2) Cowboys - 11-6
3) Lions - 11-6
4) Saints - 9-8
5) Eagles - 11-6
6) Commanders - 9-8
7) Rams - 9-8
8) Packers - 9-8
9) Falcons - 8-9
10) Vikings - 8-9
11) Buccaneers - 7-10
12) Cardinals - 7-10
13) Seahawks - 6-11
14) Giants - 5-12
15) Bears - 5-12
16) Panthers - 3-14
Eli Knight
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