The NFC West, like every division, is tied at 0-0 for the next five weeks. However, after that, all bets are off. The division winner has alternated between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams over the last several years, but will the pattern be shattered this season?
Here’s a look at five big predictions for the NFC West this season with, some at a team level and others at a player level.
1. Los Angeles Rams advance to NFC Championship
First up, the Rams are set to rise to the top of the NFC. Los Angeles had to watch Jared Goff play in the conference’s title game last winter, but this year, Stafford gets one more shot to get to the Super Bowl. However, the Rams stumble in the closing moments to another powerhouse team.
2. Cardinals finish in second place
The Arizona Cardinals have spent much of the post-Carson Palmer era and many years before and after chasing in the NFC West. Armed with Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. from Day 1, the Cardinals take flight above two of the division’s teams (more on that later).
3. Geno Smith implodes
Geno Smith had a season to remember in 2022. However, since the height of beating out Russell Wilson for pennies on the dollar, Smith took a step back last season. However, he managed to put forward a better-than-ugly performance. This year, without Pete Carroll, the last magical gasp of the experiment exhales and the Seahawks finish in last place.
4. 49ers hit midseason wall
The 49ers lost the Super Bowl to Patrick Mahomes for the second time. The first time it happened back in February 2020, they failed to match the intensity for the entire following season. The 49ers will suffer the same fate in 2024, losing five of their last six games. Brock Purdy proved he can go on losing streaks last season, and this year’s losing streak will be shocking to some.
5. 49ers trade Brandon Aiyuk to Patriots
After months of banter back and forth, Brandon Aiyuk’s production takes a step back this season. Having already toyed with moving on during the offseason, the 49ers trade Aiyuk to the New England Patriots.
The Patriots, looking to do right by Drake Maye after leaving him with third-string receivers for top receivers, get a much-needed boost ahead of turning to the rookie quarterback. By this time, Jacoby Brissett will be on his last gasp as a starter.
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