NFC West Preview: 2025 NFL Season

Coaches and Coordinators

1. San Francisco 49ers

• Head Coach: Kyle Shanahan
• Offensive Coordinator: Bobby Slowik
• Defensive Coordinator: Steve Wilks
  • Shanahan's innovative offensive schemes continue to be a hallmark of the 49ers' success. The addition of Slowik aims to further enhance the passing game, while Wilks brings a fresh perspective to a talented defense.

2. Seattle Seahawks

• Head Coach: Pete Carroll
• Offensive Coordinator: Shane Waldron
• Defensive Coordinator: Clint Hurtt
  • Carroll’s experience and defensive acumen remain vital. Waldron is expected to build on last season's offensive successes, while Hurtt focuses on improving a defense that struggled in key moments.

3. Los Angeles Rams

• Head Coach: Sean McVay
• Offensive Coordinator: Mike LaFleur
• Defensive Coordinator: Raheem Morris
  • McVay's high-octane offense is complemented by LaFleur’s fresh ideas. Morris aims to strengthen a defense that has seen its share of injuries, hoping to return to its top form.

4. Arizona Cardinals

• Head Coach: Jonathan Gannon
• Offensive Coordinator: Drew Petzing
• Defensive Coordinator: Nick Rallis
  • Gannon is entering his second year, focusing on building a cohesive unit. Petzing’s offense will need to adapt to the team's evolving personnel, while Rallis aims to improve defensive consistency.

Strength of Offense and Defense

San Francisco 49ers

• Offense: Strong running game supported by versatile playmakers like Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey.
• Defense: One of the league's best, anchored by Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, adept at pressuring quarterbacks and closing out games.

Seattle Seahawks

• Offense: Led by quarterback Geno Smith, the Seahawks boast a formidable receiving corps, including DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
• Defense: An average unit that needs to enhance its pass rush and secondary coverage to compete effectively.

Los Angeles Rams

• Offense: Matthew Stafford's leadership, paired with a deep receiving group, makes them a threat, but health is a concern.
• Defense: A solid defensive line, but the secondary has been inconsistent, requiring significant improvement.

Arizona Cardinals

• Offense: Young and developing, with Kyler Murray's mobility and arm strength. The offense needs to find more consistency.
• Defense: Rebuilding phase, focused on improving against both the pass and run, with a young core of players.

Offensive Line

San Francisco 49ers

• Considered one of the best in the league, with versatile players who excel in both pass protection and run blocking.

Seattle Seahawks

• An average line with potential; they need to improve communication and cohesion to protect Smith effectively.

Los Angeles Rams

• Injury-plagued last season, but with some key returns, they hope to regain their strength and protect Stafford.

Arizona Cardinals

• A developing offensive line that needs to gel quickly, especially to support Murray's dynamic play style.

New Additions to Teams

San Francisco 49ers

• Key Addition: Cornerback Jalen Ramsey (trade), expected to bolster the secondary.

Seattle Seahawks

• Key Addition: Running back Zach Charbonnet, bringing depth and versatility to the backfield.

Los Angeles Rams

• Key Addition: Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (return), looking to provide dynamic playmaking ability.

Arizona Cardinals

• Key Addition: Rookie offensive tackle Paris Johnson, expected to solidify the line.

Oddsmakers Predictions

• San Francisco 49ers: Favored to win the division, with strong playoff odds due to their solid roster and coaching.
• Seattle Seahawks: Considered a wild card contender, with a moderate chance of making a playoff run.
• Los Angeles Rams: Viewed as a dark horse, with odds reflecting uncertainty about health and performance.
• Arizona Cardinals: Predicted to struggle, with lower odds reflecting a rebuilding phase.

Hidden Gems

• San Francisco 49ers: Watch for rookie tight end Cameron Latu, who could emerge as a reliable target in Shanahan's system.
• Seattle Seahawks: Look out for wide receiver D'Wayne Eskridge; he has the potential to break out with increased opportunities.
• Los Angeles Rams: Defensive tackle Aaron Donald remains a key player; his performance will be crucial for the defense's success.
• Arizona Cardinals: Keep an eye on linebacker Zaven Collins. His development could be pivotal for the defense.

NFC West Division, Oddsmakers predictions for the 2025 season can be compared to last season's results to gauge team performance and expectations.

2024 Season Overview

• San Francisco 49ers: Predicted to win the division last season, they delivered on those expectations, finishing at the top with a strong playoff run.
• Seattle Seahawks: Considered a playoff contender, they managed to secure a wild card spot, aligning with oddsmakers' forecasts.
• Los Angeles Rams: Viewed as a dark horse, they struggled with injuries and finished below expectations, missing the playoffs.
• Arizona Cardinals: Predicted to be at the bottom of the division, they indeed had a challenging season, confirming the oddsmakers' pessimism.

Comparison to 2025 Predictions

• San Francisco 49ers: Again favored to lead the division, their consistency and roster strength support this prediction.
• Seattle Seahawks: Maintained status as a wild card contender, reflecting their recent performance.
• Los Angeles Rams: Still seen as a dark horse, but expectations are tempered due to last season's struggles.
• Arizona Cardinals: Continued low expectations, indicating a long-term rebuilding phase.

Conclusion