The NFC West was absolutely brutal a year ago, with each team having a genuine playoff claim, and while some teams have gotten weaker, the best team in the NFL remains in the division, along with a few more competitive teams that have eyes on making a Super Bowl run of their own in 2022. It's not going to be easy, as every divisional game will be absolutely crucial down the stretch, but for now, on the day of the NFL's opening game in 2022, here is how the standings will play out in the NFC West this season.
4. Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks have been gradually fading since the Legion of Boom fell apart, and after trading Russell Wilson this off-season, it's clear that this team is moving towards a rebuild, despite some of the elite talent they have on this squad like D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Geno Smith was named the starter for 2022, and while he's more than a solid Quarterback, it's not enough to win in the NFL, especially in a tough division like the NFC West, and it's hard to see Seattle winning more than 5 games in 2022.
3. Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals handed out a long-term extension to Kyler Murray this off-season, but unfortunately, a lot of the names around him are either suspended or injured, and it's highly unlikely that Arizona will live up to their lofty expectations this season. There's still plenty of talent and good coaching on this team, but unfortunately, the competition in the West is just too tough, and while they'll certainly contend for one of three Wild Card spots, it's just hard to see Arizona beating out San Francisco and Los Angeles in this division.
2. San Francisco 49ers
Despite bringing Jimmy Garoppollo back this off-season on a reduced contract, the 49ers are rocking with Trey Lance as the starting QB of this franchise going forward, and with Deebo Samuel signed long-term to go along with their other weapons, this could make for an elite team in 2022. The defence will be fantastic as usual, and if Lance can step up and become even a good QB in the NFL, this team has a shot at challenging the Rams in the NFC West, but either way, they are likely to snag one of those three Wild Card spots in 2022.
1. Los Angeles Rams
All the pressure will be on the Rams, after they secured their first Super Bowl win in 2021 since returning to LA, and after arguably getting better in the off-season with the addition of both Allen Robinson and Bobby Wagner, there's no reason for Rams fans to expect anything less this season. The pressure was there last year too, and the Rams rose to the occasion, with a historic season from Cooper Kupp, and while he may not be as good individually in 2022, this team should be as good, potentially even better en route to another NFC West crown.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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