1. Seattle Seahawks (10-6)
The Seahawks are a team that can thrive in this weak division. They have a good but declining quarterback and a 2-man rushing attack that features Maurice Morris and Julius Jones. Deion Branch is their best wideout and will be relied upon greatly, so double-teams are bound to happen. Burleson should take some pressure off, but not enough to make a huge difference. Their defense is passable and should fare well against much of their schedule (especially division rivals). The Seahawks are an average team that will overachieve due to an easy schedule.
2. Arizona Cardinals (8-8)
The Cardinals certainly made a bold decision when they decided to start 37 year old QB Kurt Warner over their supposed "quarterback of the future" Matt Leinart. Leinart bombed in the preseason and Warner took over. Leinart, who was originally thought of as a steal at #10 is looking like a huge bust. Luckily Kurt Warner has two excellent targets in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. Running back Edgerrin James has clearly peaked a long while ago and while still productive, isn't the gamebreaker he used to be. From their D emerged a breakout star: FS Antrel Rolle. Rolle, who was drafted 8th overall in 2005, had 5 picks returning 3 of them for touchdowns. The rest of their defense is pretty lackluster save for another secondary player, Roderick Hood. It should be noted that on special teams they have one of the elite return men in the game (Steve Breaston). The Cardinals will put up a bunch of points this year, but will let up just as many.
3. St. Louis Rams (7-9)
The Rams of late just can't seem to find their way, going 17-31 in their last three seasons, a far cry from the "Greatest Show on Turf" that they previously had. Their season last year was hurt by the loss of running back Steven Jackson for 4 games coupled with QB Marc Bulger having the worst season of his career. If they can stay healthy, then the Rams shouldn't have to worry. On defense, the addition of right end Chris Long and their excellent MLB Will Witherspoon should anchor the defense and take the load off of their teammates who aren't nearly as good. The Rams should keep building through the draft and should seek to contend in 2010.
4. San Francisco 49ers (6-10)
A legendary team in the 80s and 90s has become a failure this decade. After Jeff Garcia left after the 2003 season, they have yet to fill that role properly. As proof of that, they bypassed #1 overall pick Alex Smith for career journeyman J.T. O'Sullivan who has been on 9 different rosters in his 7 year career. Their running back, Frank Gore, has fallen off the big board of RBs due to risk of injuries which sidelined him for a game and hurt his production. Their wide receivers are poor at best, having way-past-his-prime Isaac Bruce and average player Bryant Johnson as the featured players. The majority of their defense is shoddy at best, but has one extremely bright light in OLB Patrick Willis. Willis, last season, led the league in tackles and was named Defensive Rookie of the Year. Also chipping in on D is Nate Clements, the leftside CB who totaled 4 interceptions and 77 solo tackles. It appears that once again the 49ers are doomed to finish near or at the bottom of the NFC West.
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