Way too Early NFC West Predictions
With just a few weeks remaining until the 2022-2023 season, rosters are finally beginning to shake out. However, it is important to note that another month of training camps and preseason games remains, leaving potential for significant trades and injuries. But, at this moment, here are my predictions for the NFC West final division standings.
NFC West
1. LA Rams
The defending Super Bowl champions have kept superstar athletes on their roster throughout the offseason, including wide receiver Cooper Kupp and defensive tackle Aaron Donald. The Rams also picked up talented linebacker Bobby Wagner to add to their defensive lineup. Despite losing critical players like Von Miller and Darious Williams over the offseason, the team looks to be headed into another strong year.
2. San Francisco 49ers
From a losing record to the NFC championship, the San Francisco 49ers had an incredibly tumultuous season last year. With a strong lineup that now contains cornerback Charvarius Ward, the 49er defense looks to be a force in the upcoming season. On the offensive front, the potential of new starting quarterback Trey Lance is still fairly unknown. But, with offensive weapons like Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk on the field, the 49ers still head into the new season with a solid roster.
3. Arizona Cardinals
A new contact guaranteeing the return of agile quarterback Kyler Murray provides a solid foundation for the Arizona offense. However, the temporary suspension of wide receiver Deandre Hopkins lowers expectations for the team early on in the season. Arizona looks to be a decent team with a competent defense. However, a difficult schedule against the powerful AFC West division may exploit weaknesses within the team.
4. Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle lineup took severe losses during the 2022 offseason. Longtime franchise quarterback Russell Wilson left for Denver leaving behind young Drew Lock in his wake to take over the starting role. Despite a solid receiving corps containing wide receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, Geno Smith and Lock are likely not enough to power the Seahawks farther ahead in the division.