NFL 2024 NFC West Analysis, Preview & Predictions: San Francisco 49ers destined to win the division again?

The Arizona Cardinals have had an uphill battle this year, but with a healthy Kyler Murray will be under center for the Cardinals from Day 1 this season after missing most of last year rehabbing from a torn ACL.

The sixth-year pro will line up under center behind a stacked offensive line and the addition of Marvin Harrison Jr. on the outside and Trey Benson in the backfield will certainly help.

Arizona invested money to upgrade their defense with the addition of rookie first-rounder Darius Robinson and veterans Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones, but they could struggle to generate a consistent pass rush on the edges.

They needed it, especially along the line, after the Cardinals were battered last year. Reaching the postseason will be challenging, but the Cardinals will contend if Murray understands the scheme and the defensive line improves against the run.

This offseason, the Seattle Seahawks have shaken things up on their coaching staff. Pete Carroll, who’s been the heart and soul of the team since 2009, has transitioned to a front office role, paving the way for Mike Macdonald to take the reins. Macdonald, who previously ran the Baltimore Ravens' defense, led them to top-three scoring defenses in 2022 and 2023.

In Seattle, Macdonald inherits a talented squad featuring rookie first-rounder Byron Murphy II, Leonard Williams, and 2023 first-round pick Devon Witherspoon. His defensive acumen should reinvigorate the unit, potentially making the difference in securing a wild card berth.

On the offensive side, first-year offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb faces the challenge of getting the most out of quarterback Geno Smith. Smith, earned his second Pro Bowl nod last season but his numbers declined in both his touchdowns and passing yards per game compared to his stellar 2022 performance.

Adding to the mix is new defensive coordinator Aden Durde. With so much change in a division that consistently produces Super Bowl contenders, the Seahawks face an uphill battle. Whether these adjustments will bear fruit remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Seattle's season will be anything but predictable.

Last season, the Los Angeles Rams stunned many by making the playoffs after finishing 10-7. Had it not been for early season injuries last year, the division title race could have been a nail-biter, especially considering the Rams' explosive performance in the latter half of the season.

Their offense became a juggernaut, largely due to the breakout of Puka Nacua, who not only eased the coverage burden on star receiver Cooper Kupp but also stretched defenses, creating ample running lanes, with Demarcus Robinson an effective third option.

Kyren Williams returns as the starting running back following a stellar sophomore campaign. The addition of Michigan rookie Blake Corum injects even more depth and explosiveness into their ground game. However, the Rams' fate will hinge on the health of quarterback Matthew Stafford, whose durability will be pivotal to their quest for the crown, making them a risky bet for the long haul.

The most significant change is on defense, with the retirement of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald leaving a massive void. Nevertheless, the Rams have maximized their limited draft picks, snagging promising rookies DT Kobie Turner and LB Byron Young.

To bolster their pass defense, they brought in cornerbacks Darious Williams from Jacksonville and Tre'Davious White from Buffalo. Meanwhile, tight end Colby Parkinson, an elite run-blocker, will provide crucial support until Tyler Higbee recovers from his torn ACL and MCL.

After falling short of winning the Super Bowl two years in a row, this may well be year for them to pull it off as per the bookies. The 49ers are the slight favorite to win the Super Bowl entering into this season, and for good reason: they have one of the strongest lineups on both sides of the field.

After an offseason of speculated trade demands from Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, the 49ers have managed to keep both receivers as well as the rest of their deadly weapons, including reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey.

Brock Purdy should continue to perform above expectations as a high-level quarterback. Despite losing Arik Armstead in free agency, San Francisco's defense remains loaded.

The 49ers signed edge rusher Leonard Floyd, linebacker De'Vondre Campbell, and defensive tackle Maliek Collins to help them retain their top-three scoring defense from the previous season. Rookie fourth-round safety Malik Mustapha might get early action as Talanoa Hufanga recovers from a ruptured ACL.

Expect the Niners to win their third consecutive division championship with the Lombardi Trophy within their grasp.