After years of rumblings, the NFL has also finally returned to Los Angeles, so I've had to alter one of my labels for this post. Sorry, St. Louis football fans. I hate a lot of the economics of the sport that forced the Rams out. They and the rest of the NFC West get their preview on today.
You still have a couple days to get in on the spread picking action. Adam Quinn returns to defend his crown in our annual ESPN Pigskin Pick 'Em contest, which you can join at the link provided. We weren't very good last year... or the year before... so you have a decent shot at beating us.
Without further ado, let's hit up the NFC West.
NFC West
Common opponents on schedule: NFC East, AFC South
2015: 10-6 (2nd), lost in NFC Divisional Round
Seattle was a Blair Walsh shank away from getting bounced in the first weekend, and fell just short in a comeback attempt in Carolina from getting back to the NFC title game, though what would have happened in Arizona, I'm not sure. Regardless, Seattle returns its very dangerous core with Russell Wilson leading a dangerous offense and the ever-feared Legion of Boom roving around on the other side of the field. They had some early struggles last year, but with the second place schedule this season I think they get back to the top of the division.
2016 Prediction: 12-4
2015: 12-4 (1st), lost in NFC Championship Game
After missing out in the 2014 playoffs, the Cardinals made it to the NFC title game and were promptly annihilated by the Panthers. I don't think it will necessarily hurt them long term, as many of their pieces return. Carson Palmer leads a potent attack with some nice weapons, including Larry Fitzgerald still chugging along. The defense will be a force once again though too, especially with Tyrann Mathieu back healthy. They'll be right in the mix for the division title as well, but I think Seattle just barely gets the edge.
2016 Prediction: 11-5, Wild Card
2015: 7-9 (3rd), missed playoffs
I'm still adjusting to a football team in Los Angeles even though the Rams were there for the first few years of my life. Case Keenum is the projected starter for now, but the Rams do have #1 overall pick Jared Goff waiting in the wings. Todd Gurley will look to avoid the sophomore slump, and Tavon Austin is a solid receiver, but I don't totally trust Keenum. The defense should be a force once again, especially up front, but with a questionable offense and Jeff Fisher being Jeff Fisher, we're probably looking at the same old, same old.
2016 Prediction: 7-9
2015: 5-11 (4th), missed playoffs
The Niners predictably fell last season after losing pretty much all their good players, and leading up to this season they're more in the news for quarterback Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand for the anthem than for really anything to do with the game. (My quick take: I don't necessarily agree with his views or his actions, but I respect and defend his right to express them how he is.) Kaep may not even be on the roster though by next week, as it seems like Blaine Gabbert may end up being the starting quarterback. Whoever it ends up being, with Torrey Smith as your best offensive weapon and no one else really to back him up, you're not in good shape. There are still a couple of decent defensive pieces, but nowhere near what they had a couple years ago. Add in Admiral Kelly speeding things up ridiculously and the adjustments that need to be made, I think it'll be a rough season.
2016 Prediction: 4-12
- Carolina Panthers (12-4)
- Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
- Green Bay Packers (12-4)
- New York Giants (10-6)
- Arizona Cardinals (11-5)
- Minnesota Vikings (9-7)
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