West of Center – 2025 NFC West Preview

For years, the NFC West has been one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions. But heading into 2024–25, each team has big questions. The 49ers still have star power but less depth. The Rams look like the most balanced roster. The Seahawks are in transition. And the Cardinals might just be the sneaky team that surprises everyone.

 

Arizona Cardinals

Record in 2024-25: 8-9

Key Player: Kyler Murray – Quarterback

Player to Watch: Marvin Harrison Jr. – Wide Receiver

The Cardinals are the ultimate wild card. Kyler Murray is back healthy, and now he has Marvin Harrison Jr., giving him the true No. 1 wideout he’s always needed. With Harrison stretching defenses and Murray’s dual-threat ability, Arizona’s offense could be one of the most exciting in the NFC.

The defense got a major boost, too. Arizona went defense-heavy in the draft, adding Walter Nolen, Will Johnson, Jordan Burch, Cody Simon, and Denzel Burke. They also signed Josh Sweat from the Eagles, who should bring an immediate pass-rush impact and veteran leadership to a young unit.

With a soft early schedule, the Cardinals could start hot and turn into a serious Wild Card contender. They’re young, fast, and dangerous—exactly the type of team no one will want to face late in the season. Prediction: 7-10

 

Los Angeles Rams

Record in 2024-25: 10-7

Key Player: Matthew Stafford – Quarterback

Player to Watch: Puka Nacua – Wide Receiver

The Rams are the most complete team in the division. Matthew Stafford is 37, but with Sean McVay running the show and Puka Nacua emerging as a star, this offense can move the ball on anyone. The continuity on this side of the ball gives them a big edge.

Defensively, life without Aaron Donald begins, but Byron Young has flashed the ability to become the next big name on the front. If he makes the leap and the secondary holds up, the Rams have the pieces to take back control of the West. Prediction: 11-6

 

San Francisco 49ers

Record in 2024-25: 6-11

Key Player: Brock Purdy – Quarterback

Player to Watch: Brandon Aiyuk – Wide Receiver

The 49ers nearly won a championship two years ago, but this roster isn’t quite the same. Brock Purdy is no longer on a cheap rookie deal, and that has forced changes around him. Deebo Samuel is gone to Washington, while Brandon Aiyuk starts the season on the PUP list. That leaves Purdy relying on Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Trent Williams—all elite, but all with injury histories.

On defense, Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, and Javon Hargrave left in free agency. That makes Nick Bosa even more crucial as the defensive anchor. San Francisco will still be dangerous, but it no longer feels like the juggernaut it once was. Prediction: 9-8

Seattle Seahawks

Record in 2024-25: 10-7

Key Player: Sam Darnold – Quarterback

Player to Watch: Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Wide Receiver

The Seahawks hit reset this offseason, moving on from Geno Smith and DK Metcalf. In comes Sam Darnold, who revived his career last year in Minnesota. The problem? He doesn’t have the same supporting cast in Seattle. The offensive line is shaky, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba needs to step up fast as the No. 1 option.

On defense, the bright spot is corner Devon Witherspoon, who looks like a budding superstar. But beyond him, there are a lot of unknowns. This feels like a bridge year for Seattle rather than a push for the top. Prediction: 9-8