2023 NFC West Preseason Preview and Predictions: Can the Seahawks overtake the 49ers

NFC West

The NFC West looks to be a weak division with two playoff teams and two teams that will battle it out for the number one pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

San Francisco 49ers (12-5)

This may be an overly conservative projection, given their roster at full strength is likely best equipped to prevent Philadelphia Eagles from reaching another Super Bowl. Although Brock Purdy continues to recover well from elbow surgery, San Francisco may face problems at quarterback that will be key going into 2023. Trey Lance is not the answer and we need to find out if a healthy Brock Purdy caught lightning in a bottle last season, or is he the real deal? Either way the talent level on this roster means they only need average quarterback play to win the division.

49ers Hype Video 2023-24

Seattle Seahawks (11-6)

After being one of last season’s biggest surprises and after an efficient offseason, Seattle looks poised for another playoff run. Jaxon Smith-Njigba makes their passing game even more effective, while Devon Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen could form one of the league’s finest young cornerback tandems. If Geno Smith can have a season like last season, the Seahawks could be a Dark Horse Super Bowl contender.

Seahawks 2023 Hype Video

Los Angeles Rams: (5-12)

Many are anticipating an outright collapse after losing veteran talent this offseason. And perhaps that is for the best – in 2024, the Rams finally have their own first-round pick for the first time since 2016. Still, this team won a Super Bowl two years ago, and with Matthew Stafford under center they may prove more formidable than expected. The issue with Stafford will be age and staying healthy.

Los Angeles Rams Hype Video 2023

Arizona Cardinals: (3-14)

It will be a long year for the Arizona Cardinals first-year head coach Jonathan Gannon in the desert. There’s no telling when quarterback Kyler Murray (ACL) may return, while veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has left, along with multiple changes on defense. Perhaps most pressing is what Gannon will do with Murray should they land the No. 1 overall selection in 2024 and “win” the Caleb Williams sweepstakes.

Arizona cardinals 2023-24 hype video