NFC West Preview

Andy: I’ve thought the last couple years that the NFC’s two strongest teams came from the NFC West. I still feel that way, though one of the participants has changed.

I still think the Seahawks are the class of the division. The offensive line took a hit in trading Max Unger to New Orleans, but the offense overall should get a boost from the presence of Jimmy Graham. The defense should still be top notch.

After that, I think the Cardinals – if Carson Palmer stays healthy – have jumped San Francisco and they look to me like a real contender.

Tony: I’m not disagreeing that the Seahawks are still the class of the division—or that the offense might get a boost from Graham—but overall, I think Graham’s numbers suffer in Seattle, more than he brings up their offense. Experts targeting Russell Wilson as the #2 or #3 QB just baffle me—3,500 yards and 20 TDs last year do not suddenly jump to 4,500 and 30 TD just because Graham is in town. Their leading TE last year saw 44 targets and 22 catches for 3 TDs, and the team had 525 rushing attempts. Unless they reduce Beast Mode’s workload, I would expect Graham to see about 90 targets, 65 catches, 750 yards and 7 touchdowns this year—not bad for a TE, but not up to his standards.

The Cardinals, meanwhile, did jump the 49ers last season and remain second in the division—more by default, though, than by anything they’ve done. Yes, signing Mike Iupati was a solid move, and they are getting Carson Palmer back. But can he stay healthy? Can Andre Ellington stay healthy? Can David or Chris Johnson do anything if/when Ellington misses some time? Does the loss of Todd Bowles hurt the defense significantly?

The more interesting battle, although probably not for a playoff spot, may come to see who is in the cellar. The Rams certainly don’t seem to have taken advantage of a significant number of recent high draft picks (thanks to the RG3 trade), and fans have to be starting to wonder about Jeff Fisher. But they feel that they finally solved their QB issue with Nick Foles (and, at a minimum he should be more durable than Sam Bradford), and the 49ers have been decimated by coaching changes, retirement, free agency departures and off-field issues—in fact, it is very possible that they end up fighting for the #1 overall pick in 2016.

Andy: I think Graham will get more targets than you, but I largely agree his numbers do fall – and I don’t think the Seahawks switch from being a run team to a pass team. It may balance some, but they still butter their bread on the ground.

Interesting point on Bowles in Arizona, but I think the defense regardless will still be good enough that a pretty solid offense will get the Cardinals to the playoffs.

I think more highly of the Rams than you do, I think. I see them as the clear third best team – and as a team that could challenge for a playoff spot if things fall right. I just don’t think they’re as good as Arizona or Seattle.

The 49ers … that team is a mess. They will fall to the bottom of the division and could be a bottom five team in the league. In addition to all the reasons you cited, Colin Kaepernick has not progressed. I agree – I don’t think they’re the worst team in the league, but they’ll be picking in the first hour of the draft next May.

Tony: You do appear to think of the Rams more highly than I do. I actually agree that they should be the solid third team in the division, but that’s not saying much—if they live up to my expectations, and the 49ers somehow exceed my expectations (perhaps motivated by not playing for Jim Harbaugh?), I could see them flip. Not expecting, but I do see how it could happen.

The Rams are one of those teams that juts doesn’t seem to live up to their expected talent level for some reason. They have 10 first round picks since 2008, with only one of those coming lower than position 14 in the first round, but what do they have to show for it? Jason Smith is gone, Sam Bradford is gone, Tavon Austin has been considered a disappointment, and Greg Robinson has already been called by some a bust after one season. Alec Ogletree appears to be decent, although I wouldn’t have picked him out of the lineup from The Usual Suspects. The only spot they seem to excel in finding players is the defensive line, where they have used four of those high first rounders to net Chris Long, Robert Quinn, Michael Brockers and Aaron Donald—a fearsome foursome for sure, but with that whole crew, they managed just a 6-10 record last year.

This year? Todd Gurley may end up being the star running back of the draft class, but he’s recovering from a torn ACL that will likely limit his playing time significantly this year. The Rams may finally turn the corner in 2016, but you have to wonder if another 6-10 season will allow for Jeff Fisher and Co. to be around to see it.

Predictions: