The Seattle Seahawks are projected by some analysts to win the NFC West for a second consecutive season, despite the loss of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker. This prediction comes amid a competitive division that also features the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers.
On Tuesday's "First Things First," analysts Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Danny Parkins shared their predictions for the NFC West. Wright and Parkins both placed the Seahawks at the top of the division.
Wright anticipates the Seahawks will finish with a 14-3 record, attributing their continued strength to quarterback Sam Darnold and a roster that proved dominant last season. He noted that while losing Walker is significant, he believes Darnold could see improved performance this season.
Parkins echoed this sentiment, calling the Seahawks the "forgotten champion" and predicting they will "run it back." He highlighted their decisive playoff victory over the 49ers and their Super Bowl win as reasons not to overlook them.
The Los Angeles Rams were also a focal point of the discussion. Broussard tabbed them as his NFC West favorites, citing their defensive additions, including defensive end Myles Garrett, and the return of Aaron Donald from retirement. However, he suggested the Rams might not replicate last year's success, predicting a natural decline after a Super Bowl victory.
Wright predicted an 11-6 record for the Rams, stating they would "won't be quite as good as everyone expects them to be." Parkins referred to the Rams as a "super team" following their acquisition of Garrett and Donald's return, alongside quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The San Francisco 49ers were placed in third by all three analysts. Wright cited last season's injuries, overuse of Christian McCaffrey, and the departure of former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as reasons for his lower projection. Broussard also pointed to the team's injuries and Saleh's departure, expressing doubt about their playoff potential.
Parkins, however, predicted the 49ers would make the playoffs, despite acknowledging their significant injuries last season. He noted their 12-win record and the addition of Mike Evans as reasons for optimism.
The Arizona Cardinals were consistently placed last in all predictions. Wright projected a 3-14 record for the Cardinals, calling them potentially "the worst team in the league" with the toughest schedule. While Broussard and Parkins also placed them last, they highlighted individual players to watch, such as rookie Jeremiyah Love and tight end Trey McBride, and Marvin Harrison Jr. for the Cardinals.