A SERIES
#4 Seattle Seahawks 8-9
The Hawks are entering uncharted territory. They are pretty fond of W’s. However, the Legion of Boom is no more and the Seahawks’s O-Line is an abysmal 31st. Russell Wilson may be a great QB, but he can’t carry the whole team. Thankfully, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are rock solid assets and save the offense quite honestly. Since 2018, Seattle are consistently the worst team against the rush despite All-Pro Bobby Wagner’s efforts. I’m with Hawks at #4 based on their defensive struggles. Check out Trouble in the Emerald City here.
#3 San Francisco 49ers 9-8
The Niners are two years removed from their Super Bowl LIV appearance. Furthermore, 2020 wasn’t kind to San Francisco – injuries galore. Many key starters missed most of the season including Jimmy G, Nick Bosa, George Kittle, and Raheem Mostert. But 2021 is already looking bright! The Niners picked up Trey Lance with the third overall draft pick. Great choice, but this could possibly mean Jimmy G’s time is short in the Bay Area. Free agency cost San Fran Richard Sherman and Solomon Thomas, who were both key defense pieces. The West is a highly contested division and the Niners will have to settle for #3.
#2 Arizona Cardinals 11-6
Even without playing a down, the Cards may be the most improved team in the West. Off-season and draft pickups have brought new life to Arizona. Defense specialist JJ Watt pairs nicely with Chandler Jones while the versatile linebacker Zaven Collins will complement Isaiah Simmons. QB Kyler Murray is freshly stocked with free agent AJ Green among others like second round pick speedster Rondale Moore. Still in question is Larry Fitzgerald’s future, but a solid #2 spot for Arizona.
#1 Los Angeles Rams 13-4
The Rams have finally rid themselves of the Jared Goff albatross. Goff was average at best and possibly cost the Rams a shot at the Lombardi a few seasons back. But enough what-if’s. Talented QB Matthew Stafford should experience a career renaissance in LA. Stafford’s targets include Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, Desean Jackson, and draft pick Tutu Atwell. The Rams’s elite defense features Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. LA is lacking depth at linebacker, which may be problematic, but I see the Rams finishing on top. Read more: The Best in the West?
