Tucker’s NFC West Projections
By Tucker Harlin
Like its AFC counterpart, the NFC West is home to the conference champion.
The difference is the NFC West is stronger as a division than the AFC West ahead of the 2024 season.
I anticipate a little bit of change in the standings this year, but I think the top two from 2023 stay put.
1. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
This was an easy decision for the top spot in my projections.
Kyle Shanahan has built a machine of an offense that can plug just about anybody in and work to perfection.
It does help when you have the best running back and one of the best tight ends in the league and are backed by a strong defense.
The only question is over Brandon Aiyuk’s contract dispute, but Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings are both capable pieces at the receiver position.
Regardless of what happens with Aiyuk over the coming weeks, I just can’t imagine the 49ers finishing any less than first in the West.
2. LOS ANGELES RAMS
After a down year in 2022, the Rams found their way back into the playoffs in 2023.
The usual combo of Matthew Stafford to Cooper Kupp was a big part of it, but rookies Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams took the Rams offense to another level.
This group coupled with a defense filled with young talent should be enough to keep the Rams in playoff contention at the very least.
I think the Rams probably get in as a wild card, but I can’t imagine them overtaking the 49ers as division champs
3. ARIZONA CARDINALS
The Cardinals are primed to make a big jump up this year from where they were a season ago.
Kyler Murray won’t be missing the first third of the season and he’ll be throwing the ball to Marvin Harrison Jr., the top receiving prospect from the 2024 draft.
I’m not ready to say the Cardinals are a team that can find their way into the playoffs, but I think they could sneak up on some teams they shouldn’t have a chance against.
4. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
When Russell Wilson left Seattle after the 2021 season, I thought it would set the Seahawks back several years.
Much to my surprise, Geno Smith was able to guide Seattle to a wild card berth in 2022. The Seahawks were tough again in 2023, but just not good enough to get to the playoffs.
On paper, this team still has good enough pieces on the offensive end to find itself into the playoffs.
But between Kyler Murray and Geno Smith, I’d trust Kyler more to lead a team to the playoffs just given where the two are in their careers.
