I almost didn't do this division based on the fact that all 4 of these teams are bad. These teams are either rebuilding or can't get right. No winner of this division has finished better then 10-6 since Seattle in '05 who finished 13-3 and went to the Superbowl. The 49ers and Cardinals have shown some improvements but not enough for anyone to think they will make any noise this year but here goes:
The Rams are a team that isn't a shell of its former self. The days of the Greatest Show on Turf well behind them, second year QB Bradford played well last year but his O-line didn't. Allowing Bradford to be sacked 34 times, its not wonder this team was 7-9 last year. Having said that, the Rams did look and play alot better then two years ago when they posted a 1-15 record. This is a very young team so growing pains will be present for at least another year. This is an 8-8 team at best this season.
Not sure what Arizona is planning on. Their best move in bringing in Kolb at QB was minimized by losing a WR Breston to the Chiefs. The Cardinals defense doesn't scare anyone. I've been more scared at the neighborhood haunted house then anyone on this defense. If Kolb can gel with his receivers, the passing attack should be better then the 31st passing rated of last year. With that, possibly RB Wells can provide some relief but all this depends on the O-Line actually blocking and opening holes. The Cards will repeat at 5-11 and last in the division.
Pete Carroll got the Seahawks to the playoff in his first season back in the NFL. However, they were 7-9 and someone had to win the division. Seattle did solidify there division win by beating the defending champ Saints in the playoffs. With new QB in Jackson along with WR Rice, the Seahawks can challenge for the division crown once again. The question that remains is do they want to just win the division or get back to the super bowl? They are youthful and somewhat unproven on defense and still have to answer some questions on offense. Is Jackson as good as he and Seattle think he is? So far, the answer is no but we shall see. The Seahawks need to develop a running game but lack the RB to do it. Marshawn Lynch isn't the answer. This team is one of the youngest teams in the NFL but they have playoff experience to build on. I project 9-7 and 2nd in the division.
The 49ers have been near playoff contention for a couple of years but have been unable to get over the hump. Taking a step back last year, the 49ers need to stop with the excuses and use the talent around them. With WR Crabtree and Jets sendoff Edwards, QB Smith should put up much better number and compliment RB Gore in the offense. That is if Coach Harbough sees it that way. This team has talent to sleepwalk to 8-8 and could be 11-5 if potential is tapped into but no coach has been able to do that to this point. The 49ers should win the division at 10-6, barely getting by the young Seahawks.
D!
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