The NFC West is a division that could be won by three teams with the San Francisco 49ers taking a slight lead over the Arizona Cardinals, and the Seattle Seahawks. The Saint Louis Rams are a few years away from challenging for anything; therefore, Rams fans I say enjoy Sam Bradford has he should be starting by Game 5 of this season.

The San Francisco 49ers have great receivers but a below average quarterback in Alex Smith; therefore, Frank Gore the running back should be featured in an offensive system that will benefit from playing a ball-control offense. Tight End Vernon Davis will be the primary receiver, and the second year man Michael Crabtree has all the tools to be an outstanding wide receiver in this league. The defense has one of the best linebackers in the league in Patrick Willis. Willis is kept free of blockers by the outstanding play of defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin. Secondary is solid, but could use some work. 49ers win the division, if Alex Smith can play like a legitimate starting quarterback and if Frank Gore can stay healthy.

Arizona Cardinals have major problems that could make or break their season. Matt Leinart may not be starting quarterback on opening day, and Derek Anderson is an average quarterback who may win the starting job. Larry Fitzgerald is suffering from an injury. Arizona should become a more run oriented team than last year because of the weakness at quarterback. Beanie Wells should see his carries increase as he proves to be effective in the running game. Tim Hightower will be used as a third down back, because he catches well out of backfield, and he picks up the blitz better than Wells.

Newcomer, linebacker Joey Porter will help the Cardinals’ pass rush. Secondary will not lose a step with the addition of Kerry Rhodes at free safety. Dominique Rogers-Cromartie is a cornerback that is approaching shutdown corner status; but for now, he is great cover corner that will blanket the opposing offense’s best receiver. Cardinals will have their problems stopping the run. I expect the Cardinals finish second behind the 49ers.

Seattle Seahawks have new Head Coach Pete Carroll. A good season is dependent upon how well quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will play this season. Julius Jones, Leon Washington, and Justin Forsett will be the backfield that must be improved to take some of the pressure off the passing game and Hasselbeck. Seahawks drafted Golden Tate to provide another target for Hasselbeck. T.J. Houshmandzadeh will be Hasselbeck’s primary target this season. The defense is like an open gate to any offense. The Seahawks was terrible against the pass and they must improve greatly to become a contender. The weaknesses they must fill to improve their poor pass defense is find someone who will generate a pass rush, and a player that will play the safety position. Seahawks if the Rams were not in NFC West would be in last place.

St. Louis Rams have the fifty million dollar man in Sam Bradford, and it not going to matter until a few years down the line. The Rams’ Steven Jackson is big powerful back that should get a lot of carries because he is the most effective offensive weapon until Bradford develops into the superstar the franchise expects. A.J. Feeley will be the starting quarterback until Bradford is ready. The number 1 receiver Donnie Avery is out for season as he suffered an ACL injury. The other starting wide receivers are starters by default and on any other team in the league they would barely make it on the field. Defense of the Rams lacks a good secondary, pass rush and quality personnel to execute the scheme. In a lot of words, they are horrible and it will be few years before the see the light at the end of the tunnel. Rams may win 4 games this season, but do not expect too many more. They will take there lumps.