NFC West 2009 Preview and Predictions

Arizona Cardinals: I am not going to beat around the bush. I am not saying the Cardinals were lucky to get to the Super Bowl last year, but they were very fortunate. That is not to take anything away from them, it just is what it is. If they have to play an NFC Championship game anywhere outside of AZ they stand an almost zero percent chance to win. That being said, I don’t see why the Cardinals shouldn’t win this division and make another run at the Lombardi Trophy.
Predicted Finish: 10-6



San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers showed improvement at the end of last season, winning 5 of their last 7. Much of the credit has gone to then interim and now current head coach Mike Singeltary. That is all well and good, but their QB situation is shaky and their first round pick Michael Crabtree is yet to sign or practice. The 49ers will seem better this year than last, because enthusiasm makes everything seem better.
Predicted Finish: 7-9



Seattle Seahawks: Prior to last season the Seahawks had made the playoffs for 5 consecutive years. Last year’s record of 4-12 can be attributed to injuries and a lame duck coach. Most likely more the former than the latter, but the combination of the two made for an ugly year in Seattle. Assuming the injury bug won’t devour the same team two years in a row, I believe the offense will be better. The defense however doesn’t seem to be much better than last year’s very bad defense. Only once did the Seahawks keep a team under 10 points, and that was the Favre misled Jets in a snow storm in Seattle.
Predicted Finish: 6-10



St. Louis Rams: The Rams had two wins last year and both victories were against teams from the NFC East. Granted it was neither the Giants nor the Eagles, but 2 wins in 2 tries against the NFC East and the Rams couldn’t win 1 game in 6 tries against their own in the NFC West?! The Rams were bad on offense and worse on defense last year. They got a new head coach in Steve Spagnuolo, former coordinator of the much respected NY Giants defense. Unfortunately, coach doesn’t block or tackle.
Predicted Finish: 3-13

See The Dean’s AFC West Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s NFC North Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s AFC South Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s NFC South Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s AFC East Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s AFC North Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s NFC East Preview and Predictions.