The NFL season is now just two weeks away, and our NFC West Power Rankings are here!
More preseason power rankings: NFC North | NFC East
San Francisco 49ers
Last year’s surprise sensation Brock Purdy is back with the 49ers for his first full season, and expectations are sky high for the 49ers. For a team with as good of a roster as San Francisco had last year, the turnover was minimal this offseason, allowing the organization to once again go all in for a Super Bowl. With weapons like Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle on offence, the creative possibilities for Kyle Shanahan are almost endless. On defence, Nick Bosa will be looking to lead last year’s top unit to similar success. Looking at the roster on paper, this team really has no holes. The 49ers should be seen as Philadelphia’s biggest competition in the NFC again, and as the definite frontrunners in the NFC West.
Prediction: 12-5
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are remaining relevant in the NFC playoff picture after a shocking 2022 season. With what looks like another standout draft class headlined by Devon Witherspoon and Jaxon-Smith-Njigba, Seattle has the potential to be very good, very soon. While there are still questions surrounding Geno Smith’s game, expect to see a dynamic offence this year in the PNW. Their core of WRs will be one of the league’s best, and with running backs Kenneth Walker and rookie Zach Charbonnet in the backfield, the team can beat you in a variety of ways.
Defensively, the Seahawks should be better than last season as well. The defensive front was addressed in the offseason with additions such as Bobby Wagner and Dre’mont Jones, while the secondary could end up being one of the premier units in the league if Jamal Adams stays healthy and Devon Witherspoon lives up to the hype. They may not be up to par with the 9ers yet, but keep a close eye on the Seahawks this season.
Prediction: 10-7
Los Angeles Rams
After a disappointing follow-up to their Super Bowl in 2021, the Rams should be coming into 2023 with a chip on their shoulder. Unfortunately, outside of a few players, the team that won it all just two years ago was vastly different than the roster they have today. The Rams went all in to win, and now they’re facing the consequences of it. Although they still have Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford playing key roles on offence, both players are in their thirties and coming off injuries. Cam Akers will hopefully play a large role as the leading tailback, but consistency has not been strong early in his career. It’s hard to think that the Rams will be as bad as they were last year, but the playoffs and NFC West contention are probably out of their reach in 2023.
Prediction: 7-10
Arizona Cardinals
This is an easy prediction, but not for the right reasons. The Cardinals are going through a rebuilding phase, and they’ll have to manage most of the season without starting quarterback Kyler Murray. On top of that, they just traded Isaiah Simmons to the Giants for future draft picks. The most talented players they’ll have active to start the year are James Connor, Marquise Brown and Budda Baker. These guys are all nice pieces to have, but they won’t be good enough to get this team very many wins. The Cards have young guys and plenty of picks coming in the next few years, but their time is not now, and they’ll most likely be stuck at the bottom of the NFC West this season.
Prediction: 3-14
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