NFL 2018 record predictions: Packers bounce back in big way
NFC West
1. Rams (10-6)
2. 49ers (8-8)
3. Cardinals (6-10)
4. Seahawks (5-11)
This will once again be the Los Angeles Rams’ division. The Rams are in win-now mode, and have spent big to bring more talent to the roster. They have added Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters and Ndamukong Suh on defense, and also traded for wide receiver Brandin Cooks. The Rams have the potential to dominate the NFC, but I have them winning just 10 games, which is still good enough to win the division.
The San Francisco 49ers look a much better team now with Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback, but they face a brutal schedule. With road games against the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers and Green Bay Packers, as well as two games with the Rams, it’s going to be difficult for the 49ers to win enough games to secure a playoff berth.
The Arizona Cardinals are looking beyond 2018 with Josh Rosen at quarterback. He’ll get a chance to show what he can do at some stage this year.
Seattle, meanwhile, is a team heading in the wrong direction. After losing so much talent this offseason, it’s hard to see them winning many games. A 5-11 record and fourth-place finish shows how times have changed in the NFC West in just a few years.