NFC West Preview


 We're quickly approaching the 2025 NFL Season. As such, I'll be previewing each of the divisions over the next few weeks. We'll look at teams in order of finish, then I'll make a prediction for the new season.

Los Angeles Rams
2024 Record: 10-7
About: The Rams narrowly won the NFC West, then beat the Vikings in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs. The team bid farewell to Cooper Kupp this off-season but brought in Davante Adams as the No. 2 receiver. I like Matthew Stafford as the QB, with Puka Nacua as the No. 1 receiver and Kyren Williams as the top RB. I think all three, along with Adams, will have a good role in fantasy.

Seattle Seahawks
2024 Record: 10-7
About: The Seahawks fell just short of a playoff berth. You'd think they would rally to take another shot. But, instead, the team went another way. The Seahawks traded D.K. Metcalf to the Steelers. Then they traded quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, and they let Tyler Lockett walk. They brought in Sam Darnold as the new franchise quarterback, while signing veteran receiver Kupp. The team is re-built but still has the tools to compete. The Seahawks have two good RBs in Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet, along with a great lead receiver in Jaxon Smith-Njigba. I think JSN will have a good year, and Walker and Charbonnet will do well. The Seahawks will go as far as Darnold can take them.

Arizona Cardinals
2024 Record: 8-9
About: The Cardinals had an up-and-down season in 2024, ultimately falling short of the playoffs. That came despite a strong year from Kyler Murray, who used tight end Trey McBride and rookie receiver Marvin Harrison, Jr., along with veteran running back James Conner. They have the pieces in place to compete, but can they get in the playoff mix? I'm not certain. But for fantasy, all four will be interesting. It will also be interesting to see if Trey Benson gets more involved in the backfield.

San Francisco 49ers
2024 Record: 6-11
About: The 49ers suffered a variety of injuries in 2024 that ended their season early. This off-season, they lost a number of pieces on defense. They also bid farewell to receiver Deebo Samuel, now with the commanders. The team has Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall on PUP, while receiver Jauan Jennings wants a new contract. Those are distractions for a talented team. If Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle are healthy, this is a team that can compete for a division title. They will also be a force in fantasy.

Final Thoughts: Last year it was the Rams and Seahawks as the 49ers had too many injuries. I think this year it likely will be the 49ers and Rams, with the Seahawks chasing. I think only one team gets in the playoffs from the division, so this will be a good fight. The Cardinals are hard to read, but I don't think they are a true playoff contender yet.

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