Last season, the NFC West was both confusing and incredibly frustrating to watch, as none of the four teams in the division seemed either capable or motivated to win the division. Whether by a lack of motivation, clutch performance or just general talent, none of the teams in this division were able to gain separation from the others, and the division was up for grabs all season long. Going into this season, I’d like to think, and thus I’ll predict, that one of these four teams MIGHT ACTUALLY try to win the division by a measurable margin.
Arizona Cardinals
Last Season Overall: 5-11 (NFC West: 1-5)
Prediction 8-8 overall (NFC West 4-2)
Talk about a team who knows what they need, the Cardinals entered free agency with one goal in mind, one target in plain sight, and they went out and got the best free agent QB available, Kevin Kolb. I saw this team play last year, and other than a gaping hole at the QB slot, I firmly believed that the team was pretty good, based on talent alone. With Kolb passing to Pro Bowler Larry Fitzgerald, look for the Cardinals to take control of their division outright, but otherwise be fairly average against the rest of the NFL.
Seattle Seahawks
Last season Overall: 7-9 (NFC West: 4-2)
Prediction 4-12 overall (1-5 NFC West)
As the eventual winners of the division last year at a paltry 7-9, the Seahawks gave a whole new meaning to the phrase “winning isn’t everything”. They became the first team in NFL history to win their division by finishing a complete season under .500. This angered a lot of fans, many who felt that other teams deserved the spot more than the flimsy ‘Hawks. This year, they have a tough schedule, a second rate cast off QB and no great new additions. It’ll be a disappointing season for the Seahawks as they take a big step backwards. That’s what happens when you choose to make Charlie Whitehurst your starting QB.
San Fransisco 49er’s
Last season Overall: 6-10 (NFC West: 4-2)
Prediction 6-10 overall (NFC West 3-3)
Not much changes for the 49er’s this season, as first year coach Jim Harbaugh will be more focused on grooming draft prize QB Colin Kaepernick into the franchise QB than rushing the team into trying to win immediately. They have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball still, and will not have trouble winning enough games to be about average in this league. Much more than that, well that I can’t promise.
St. Louis Rams
Last season Overall: 7-9 (NFC West: 3-3)
Prediction 8-8 overall (NFC West 4-2)
I don’t know how the Rams managed to hang as many wins up as they did last year, but they seem to be doing something right down there. After years of mediocrity and at times, downright horrible play, the Rams have rallied around the leadership of young Sam Bradford and, like Tampa Bay, seem to be rebuilding in the right way ahem* Detroit Lions*. I think this team could challenge for the division this year, but I think they might have a hard time getting past Arizona and Kevin Kolb. And if you don’t recognize anyone that Sam Bradford is throwing to these days, don’t worry, you’re not alone.
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