NFL Preview '08: Wild Wild NFC West

NFC West Standings
1. Seattle Seahawks 9-7- NFC West Champions
2. Arizona Cardinals 8-8
3. St. Louis Rams 6-10
4. San Francisco 49ers 5-11

The NFC West is still the weakest division in football. The Seahawks have been the class of this division for some time and that does not look like it will change this season. Matt Hassleback is still the only top tier QB in this division and Seattle's defense is the best of the bunch. Seattle will have around 9 wins and a division crown. The Arizona Cardinals are another one of those swing teams. The Cards have an exceptional offense, but their defense has a lot of question marks still. A lot of this teams success will be determined by the play of QB Matt Leinart or Kurt Warner depending on who is named the starter. WR Anquan Boldin is also not happy with the organization and has demanded a trade. SS Adrian Wilson is also unhappy with his contract, so the Cardinals' locker room could be in shambles. ! I think they have the talent to make the playoffs in the NFC, but all these distractions will hold them back. The St. Louis Rams are coming off a very disappointing season that was full of key injuries. Well, now the Rams have a healthy Marc Bulger and Torry Holt. They also have a happy Stephen Jackson after a new contract was agreed too. Their offense is full of talent and has the potential to sneak them into the playoffs if they get anything from their defense. The defense is pitiful however, so do not count on a playoff run. Plus, health is an issue and QB Marc Bulger has had issues with that all throughout his career. The SF 49ers made a shocking move yesterday officially naming J.T. O'Sullivan their starting QB. O'Sullivan is a 6-year pro who has never started an NFL game. Alex Smith the #1 overall pick from three years ago now finds himself on the sidelines and could be done with SF altogether. This move just goes to show head coach Mike Nolan knows he has to! start winning now or he will lose his job after the season. ! I do not see O'Sullivan being any better than Smith, the Niners finish last.
That wraps up the regular season preview and next up is the final part of the preview with the playoffs. Find out who will win the Super Bowl. Stay tuned.