NFL 2018 predictions: Which team will win each division?
By Nile McNair
NFC West
1. Rams
2. 49ers
3. Seahawks
4. Cardinals
Surprisingly, the Los Angeles Rams went from 4-12 in 2016 to 11-5 last season. Coach Sean McVay helped take quarterback Jared Goff to a new level, and it elevated the rest of the team. The Rams led the league in scoring last year. Los Angeles made the most noise in free agency, adding stars to the secondary and defensive line. Aaron Donald is still on this team, and he might be the best player in the NFL overall. No other team in this division will dethrone the Rams in 2018.
Jimmy Garoppolo is projected as the next great 49ers quarterback, and he got paid like it this offseason. Once Garoppolo became the starter last season, the 49ers went undefeated and the team look completely different. The Niners’ front seven is loaded with potential stars, and stealing Richard Sherman from Seattle helps the secondary tremendously. If Garoppolo can become that franchise quarterback like he’s being paid, the Niners are a dark horse playoff team.
After winning their first Super Bowl under Pete Carroll, the Seahawks looked poised to become a dynasty. Now, the “Legion of Boom” has broken up and the Seahawks’ success is all on Russell Wilson’s shoulders. Furthermore, Wilson had a great season last year, but it didn’t get Seattle to the playoffs. Expect the same this year — Wilson making memories, but those amazing plays not transitioning to wins.
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A new regime has come in for the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona hired Steve Mills as their coach after Bruce Arians retired. Meanwhile, the Cards drafted the future in Josh Rosen in the first round of this year’s draft. The rebuild is officially under way in Arizona. Unfortunately, this means Larry Fitzgerald will never get a Super Bowl, unless he leaves Arizona before he retires.