2014 NFC WEST PREVIEW

Last division and it's the best of the bunch. Here's my thoughts on the NFC West!

Arizona Cardinals

Pros: Like the Chiefs, the Cardinals didn't really get better or worse. I think they're about the same as they were last season. Considering that they won 10 games in 2013, that's a good thing.

Cons: Unlike the Chiefs, the Cardinals have to deal with the fact that they play a tougher conference and a much, much tougher division. Also, Darnell Dockett for the year thanks to his knee exploding.

Overall: I think the Cards can make the playoffs with a little outside help. Luckily for them, I think one of their division rivals will take a bit of step back this year, which will make a playoff berth more plausible.

Predicted Record: 10-6, 2nd

San Francisco 49ers

Pros: The defense is still out of this world and the offense can click if all goes well.

Cons: Colin Kaepernick has been scatter shot for a while. Navarro Bowman is still hurt after his knee injury in the playoffs while Aldon Smith is suspended for the first nine games. All in all, the defense is pretty banged up, putting more pressure on the aforementioned scatter shot offense.

Overall: The 49ers are primed to take a step back, though a step back for them would still result in a winning record.

Predicted Record: 9-7, 3rd

Seattle Seahawks

Pros: Russell Wilson has been absurd in the preseason. The defense will likely still be one of the best in the league even after the NFL actively tried to make them worse. Also, that home field advantage of theirs is insane.

Cons: As the defending champions, the Seahawks will have a bulls eye planted on their backs all season. And while not as pronounced as the Saints, the Seahawks tend to play significantly worse on the road than at home.

Overall: The Seahawks are a good bet to at least return to the postseason. If they get home field advantage for the second year in a row, they'll likely make a return trip to the Super Bowl. If.

Predicted Record: 11-5, 1st

St. Louis Rams

Pros: The Rams' defense has quietly been pretty good for a while now. The team also has a collection of intriguing talent on the offensive side of the ball as well.

Cons: They just lost Sam Bradford for the year, which sucks. Also, while a decent team, they're easily the worst in their division.

Overall: The Rams are probably better than their record will show, but they still have to improve greatly before they can compete for a postseason berth, let alone compete in the NFC West.

Predicted Record: 9-7, 4th

***

And that'll do it. I'll have my postseason predictions and pick for Thursday's game tomorrow. See you all then!