|
Season Predictions – NFC West
As in the other divisions, the improvement of other teams is significant, and I don’t see games being any easier this year than in year’s past.
1) Arizona Cardinals
Why will the Cardinals win the division?
I am probably jinxing myself here, but overall the Cardinals simply boast more talent right now than the other 3 teams in the division. There isn’t any real weakness on the team (could probably use a bit better LB, but again, there is an issue with the cap), so they should be able to get to their first division title.
Where could the Cardinals fall short?
The Rams have won this division every season I have been in the league, and Kenny is one helluva coach. We have had some classic games to date, so I never take any game for granted against the Rams. Also, there is that any-given-Sunday adage that I cling to, and to be fair, there is no shut-down aspect to this team.
Verdict
All the pieces are there for Arizona to make a run; the other 3 teams in the division are rebuilding and should be knocking on the door next year. That said, this season will be up to making this team play to their potential
2) Los Angeles Rams
How could the Rams win the division?
Because they have in the past; they still have some nice pieces on offense, and their front 7 will still make stops; Kamara is another weapon in the receiving game to go with Adams, and Kenny knows how to maximize the numbers from his guys.
Why the Rams could find it tough to stay out of the basement?
The 3 other teams in the division are very even on paper, and while the front 7 is still formidable, the secondary is vulnerable and can be exploited.
Verdict
It’s tough to rebuild and not totally tank your season…Kenny is managing to maintain respectability and managing to inject youth. Bryce Young’s resurgence in the 2nd half of the season hopefully means he has the guy to replace Brady, but there is this feeling that it could get a bit worse before it gets better.
3) Los Angeles Chargers
How can the Chargers make the division interesting?
Valentino knows how to coach and rebuild teams, and frankly, this team doesn’t need much. Burrow is perhaps the best QB in the division, there are solid weapons on offense behind a solid OL, so putting up points shouldn’t be an issue
How could the Chargers fall short?
The front 7 of the defense is a bit on the shaky side, and their secondary will be tested against the top teams in division. Don’t get me wrong…playing the Chargers will be no walk in the park…and with better coaching, there won’t be many slip-ups.
Verdict
I think there will be some very interesting games this season, as I don’t see much separating these three bottom teams. Each team has an edge in some area, so it wouldn’t shock me to see one of them figure things out and snag that last playoff spot.
4) Atlanta Falcons
How could the Falcons finish 2nd in the division?
The front 7 for Atlanta is the best in the division, and will make it tough for teams to score on them. CJ Stroud gives them their franchise QB, and hopefully the Falcons will figure out ways to manufacture enough points to allow their defense to win games for them
Why will the Falcons finish last in the division?
There is not a true #1 WR in Atlanta, and might hinder them a bit; the secondary won’t scare anyone, but then again, that front 7 can make up for quite a bit.
Verdict
I almost put the Falcons to finish 2nd; this is not the doormat that was an easy out on Sunday anymore. Their main RB’s carry a decent YPC, and the team is young and improving. I would not be shocked if Atlanta somehow makes the playoffs.
|