NFC West 2022 NFL Preview: Can 49ers problem defending champion Rams?

The NFL is again, and Sportsnet has been breaking down every part you might want to know in regards to the 32 groups trying to e-book a visit to Super Bowl LVII.

Kickoff for the common season is about for Thursday, Sept. 8 and at the moment we have a look at the NFC West division…

ARIZONA CARDINALS

2021 file: 11-6, second in NFC West, fell aside vs. Rams in wild card recreation

Notable roster additions: WR Marquise Brown, G Will Hernandez

Notable roster subtractions: DE Chandler Jones, WR Christian Kirk, RB Chase Edmonds, DT Corey Peters

The excellent news: Kyler Murray is signed long-term and we are able to all lastly cease learning his social medi—er, did somebody say “studying”? Okay, so it’s been a protracted and foolish low season in Arizona, however with the ink now dry on his new deal the face of this franchise can focus solely on soccer shifting ahead. He’s bought a brand new goal in newcomer Marquise Brown, who together with speedy second-year receiver Rondale Moore seems to be ripe for an actual breakout efficiency. With a participant like Murray on the helm, we all know this offence can harness magic like they did within the first half of 2021.

The dangerous information: We additionally know what it seems to be like when that magic fizzles out within the second half, down the stretch, and within the playoffs. Resilience is vital, and it hinges on studying from final yr’s classes. Can they? They’d higher, as they’re about to face their hardest take a look at with the second-hardest energy of schedule this season, and can accomplish that with out star extensive receiver DeAndre Hopkins for the primary six video games after he was suspended for violating the NFL’s PED coverage. They additionally didn’t do a lot to enhance defence or line play this low season, and have an nearly non-existent cross rush after the departure of Chandler Jones. The first signal of a dropping streak could have these acquainted lingering doubts from final yr entrance and centre. Can they silence these, or will they be doomed to repeat the identical errors?

Super Bowl Odds: +3000
Division Title Odds: +333
Wins Total: 5.5 wins (Over -135/Under +115)

LOS ANGELES RAMS

2021 file: 12-5, first in NFC West, received Super Bowl LVI on residence turf 

Notable roster additions: WR Allen Robinson, LB Bobby Wagner, CB Troy Hill

Notable roster subtractions: OT Andrew Whitworth, WR Robert Woods, WR Odell Beckham Jr., DE Von Miller, RB Sony Michel, G Austin Corbett, DT Sebastian Joseph-Day

The excellent news: The similar core that simply received the Super Bowl – Sean McVay, Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald – is reunited and appears able to run it again. Rams administration has performed a pleasant job of holding Stafford well-stocked in offensive weapons, most notably with the addition of former Bear Allen Robinson, who’s bought the potential to open up the sphere reverse Kupp now that he’s wholesome (and out of Chicago). McVay guarantees a good larger playbook, and this yr he’s bought extra run-game choices contemplating Cam Akers is offered after lacking your complete 2021 common season with damage. Donald went from having Miller on his facet to a different veteran defender in former Seahawk and Legion of Boom co-founder Bobby Wagner – what sort of impression can he make on this new setting? But one of the best information of all is about Matthew Stafford’s elbow following a protracted low season of hypothesis:

The dangerous information: Here’s factor about Stafford’s throwing arm: the hypothesis goes to comply with him all season lengthy, and contemplating the lengths the staff went to seek out solutions this summer time, it doesn’t seem like going away utterly. Do we see any sort of snap-count limitation down the stretch? The Rams have the hardest energy of schedule in the entire league, so there’ll be no coasting again into the post-season or laurel-resting right here. Additionally, some departures alongside the road of scrimmage – most notably, the lack of now-retired OT Andrew Whitworth, whose veteran voice introduced a whole lot of management to this locker room – shouldn’t be missed. 

Super Bowl Odds: +1100
Division Title Odds: +130
Wins Total: 10.5 wins (Over -110/Under -110)

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

2021 file: 10-7, third in NFC West, misplaced to Rams in NFC Championship

Notable roster additions: CB Charverious Ward, G Spencer Burford (rookie), CB Samuel Womack (rookie)

Notable roster subtractions: RB Raheem Mostert, G Laken Tomlinson, C Alex Mack, CB Okay’Waun Williams, CB Dontae Johnston, S Jaquiski Tartt

The excellent news: After they have been unable to commerce Jimmy Garoppolo, the 49ers made one of the best out of a troublesome scenario by restructuring the quarterback’s huge contract and holding the starter-turned-backup in-house as they hand the reins over to Trey Lance. Lance, the staff’s high choose of 2021, comes with lofty expectations and boasts a extra dynamic skillset than Jimmy G, and the prospect of this defence and these weapons with that added mobility has bought to excite a 49ers fanbase hungry for extra playoff success after final yr’s run. So loud was the chatter round this membership’s QB scenario that the discuss round Deebo Samuel’s well being and that commerce request reported this previous spring sort of quieted. The impactful offensive weapon is again, and may he stay motivated to maneuver, he’ll have a bit further to show. San Francisco’s elite defence, led by Nick Bosa, stays intact and – most significantly – wholesome. That’s a scary thought for the remainder of the NFC West. 

The dangerous information: Should we be studying extra into the Jimmy G scenario? A clear break wasn’t attainable contemplating his contract, and having a backup who’s able to taking your staff to the Super Bowl (twice) seems like an unimaginable luxurious… however how will this have an effect on Lance’s improvement? All experiences level to a harmonious relationship on this QB room, however how affected person will the remainder of this roster be if Lance doesn’t fairly stay up the hype out of the gate? 

Super Bowl Odds: +1400
Division Title Odds: +170
Wins Total: 9.5 wins (Over -160/Under +135)

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

2021 file: 7-10, fourth in NFC West, missed playoffs

Notable roster additions: QB Drew Lock, TE Noah Fant, DT Shelby Harris, DT Uchenna Nwosu, CB Tariq Woolen (rookie), CB Coby Bryant (rookie), LT Charles Cross (rookie)

Notable roster subtractions: QB Russell Wilson, LB Bobby Wagner, RB Chris Carson, TE Gerald Everett, OT Duane Brown, C Ethan Pocic, DE Carlos Dunlap, CB D.J. Reed

The excellent news: Pete Carroll continues to be your head coach, which brings some semblance of normalcy after an low season overhaul and a gentle voice because the membership embarks on what’s trying like a serious rebuild. He’s constructed this staff up and guided it to the playoffs earlier than when few believed he might, and consequently has earned the advantage of the doubt earlier than we declare this a very misplaced season. Considering how a lot the connection between the staff and Wilson had deteriorated final season, buying and selling him was a needed – albeit robust – step again with a view to finally transfer ahead. It’s arduous to see a lot excellent news on this QB room, however whoever winds up taking the majority of the snaps will a minimum of have a pair of high targets at their disposal in Tyler Lockett and D.Okay. Metcalf. 

The dangerous information: Oh, you imply apart from kicking off the very first recreation of the post-Russ period staring down Wilson himself in his debut outing with the Broncos? Week 1 might convey the emotion, however Weeks 2 by way of 18 seem to vow some ache because the Seahawks formally embark on the primary season of a brand new rebuild. While you’ve bought to consider Carroll has a plan, it’s robust to see it – notably on the recreation’s most essential place, the place as a substitute of drafting or recruiting Wilson’s successor, Seattle’s bought a pair of largely unproven backups in Geno Smith and Drew Lock. Add to that the very fact the Seahawks are poised to journey probably the most of any staff within the NFL this yr (29,446 miles, according to this count) and play in a division as robust as this one, a pile of losses sort of feels inevitable.

Super Bowl Odds: +8000
Division Title Odds: +1400
Wins Total: 5.5 wins (Over -135/Under +115)