NFC Best
Continuing with my division by division predictions, I move to the division that I think is the strongest in the NFC (hence the title NFC Best.) This isn't the strongest division for the sole reason that they have the defending Super Bowl champion, this is the strongest because of the depth of the teams. This division and the most combined wins of any in the league. This is also the hardest division to pick a winner on for that very reason. The Top 3 teams in this division (San Francisco, Seattle, and Arizona) all have very realistic shots at making the playoffs. It is almost guaranteed that at least two of the 4 teams in this division will advance to the playoffs. Anyways, here's my preview for the best division in the NFC.
San Francisco 49ers Last season: (12-4)
2014-2015 Projection: (11-5)
After signing franchise quarterback Colin Kaepernick to a monster contract, the 49ers are confident they will pick up where they left off and make a run at the Super Bowl. The 49ers had a busy offseason which included drafting LB Chris Borland out of Wisconsin. Borland is definitely a player that could make a large impact in the future. The 49ers also acquired WR Stevie Johnson from the Bills which will give Kaepernick a great target. Combine this with a great running attack with Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde then you've got a crazy offense. Look for the 49ers to be a fantastic wild card this year.
Seattle Seahawks Last season: (13-3)
2014-2015 Projection: (12-4)
The Seahawks return most of the same players who helped to blow out the Broncos in the Super Bowl. Locking up two vital pieces of their secondary in Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas both on 4-year deals will definitely help. As Russell Wilson continues to grow as a Quarterback, this offense has yet to hit its peak. The resigning of Doug Baldwin will give Russell a great target on the outside. I expect more of the same as the Seahawks have a good shot at returning to the Super Bowl.
Arizona Cardinals Last season (10-6)
2014-2015 Projection: (9-7)
This Arizona team continues to be one of the most underrated teams in the league. The Cardinals have the best secondary in the game with Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu. The Cardinals also have one of the best WR in the game, Larry Fitzgerald and a prodigy of a running back in Andre Ellington. As long as Carson Palmer stays consistent in his passing, the Cardinals will have another successful season. Look for the Cardinals to make a run or that second wild card slot.
St. Louis Rams (7-9)
2014-2015 Projection: (5-11)
With a good draft class, the Rams look to improve on last season. Hoping to fill a gap at RB, the Rams got a steal in Tre Mason. Out of Auburn, Mason had a breakthrough season. look for him to make an impact this year. The Rams also drafted a great Tackle in Greg Robinson which will bring lots of energy to a flat defense. On the negative side, the Rams made an extremely controversial pick when they used their 7th round pick on Michael Sam making Same the first openly-gay athlete in the NFL. Leaving all views of gay-rights out of this, I think that the distraction Sam brings to the team will outweigh the on-field impact that he brings. If he makes the team, there is a very small chance that he will see many snaps this season. St. Louis could be in trouble this season competing in such a strong division.
