Just like last year, the NFC West looks like being one of the hardest-fought divisions in the NFL. It produced both of the NFC Championship teams in 2021 as well as the eventual Super Bowl Winners. Those two teams look likely to figure prominently again in 2022 and the Cardinals can’t be ruled out either.
The LA Rams’ acquisition of Matt Stafford last year now looks like an inspired move and although they have lost a few players in free agency there is still plenty of talent on the roster. San Francisco looks set to roll with Trey Lance this year, and he will have benefitted from a year on the sidelines. Like the Rams they have had a few players depart in Free Agency and similarly their draft was somewhat limited due to previous trades. Their season will go the way of Trey Lance’s development. If he is ready then they are genuine contenders.
Murray & Brown Re-United
Arizona looked great early on last year but then their form fell off a cliff. They lost four of their last five games and were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round. A lot of talent left in free agency and they will be without DeAndre Hopkins for the first six games. They also gave up this years 1st round draft pick to addMarquis Brown. This will cushion the Hopkins loss a bit and of course, placated Kyler Murray who played with him in college.
The Cardinal’s season might hinge Murray & Brown rekindling their college magic.
Image: Steve Jacobson/Shutterstock.com
Seattle traded away their star QB Russell Wilson and in doing so effectively went into full rebuild mode. They also let Bobby Wagner & DJ Reed walk in free agency so we have no hesitation in pencilling them in for 4th place.
Last season’s finishing order is below and we won’t be surprised if the West sends three teams to the playoffs again in 2022.
NFC West 2021 Finishing Order
LA Rams 12-5
Arizona Cardinals 11-6
San Francisco 49ers 10-7
Seattle Seahawks 7-10
The top three ended up as the 4th, 5th & 6th seeds.
So how do we see it finishing in 2022?
NFC West Predicted Finish
1st LA Rams
There are a few issues regarding Matt Stafford’s health and they have a pretty taxing schedule. However, we think they can pick up double-digit wins and may just edge the 49ers for the division. The two meet twice in October and the results of those might just decide the title.
2nd San Francisco 49ers
If Trey Lance is the real deal the 49ers will be hard to stop in 2022. Finishing third last year means they have (on paper anyway) an easier schedule, although one of their home games will be played in Mexico. They still have plenty of tough games though including trips to the Broncos & Raiders so improving dramatically on last season could be a tall ask.
3rd Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals looked like Super Bowl contenders early on racking up a 7-0 record. Thereafter things went awry though and they ended up limping into the postseason where they were well beaten by the Rams in the Wild Card round. They have a pretty tough opening stretch with four of their first five games against 2021 playoff teams. They will be without Deandre Hopkins for those games too which won’t help. With their schedule, it’s hard to see them emulating last year’s wins total.
4th Seattle Seahawks
When you trade your franchise QB and then let key veterans walk you know it’s rebuilding time. Not much more to say other than the future looks good if they can keep their offensive weapons together for next season’s shiny new QB who should be a top 10 pick.
NFC West Final Wins Total
LA Rams 11-6
San Francisco 49ers 11-6
Arizona Cardinals 9-8
Seattle Seahawks 5-12
We expect the Rams & 49ers to be in the postseason and the Cardinals will be challenging for that no7 slot.
So there you have it our predictions for what looks like being the strongest division in the NFC. While you are here why not check out our other NFC West Posts or have a go at some of our NFL Quizzes. Go on everyone loves a Quiz, don’t they?
