The Wild, Wild NFC West

The NFC West is a microcosm of the NFL in the salary cap era.

The division has four teams in very different places, some that are trying to hang on to past glory and some that are coming from the bottom up.

In 2007, anything can happen.

The Seattle Seahawks, for starters, are trying to stay on top. Their strategy has been to stay consistent on offense while slowly improving the defense, but that offensive continuity was compromised by the departure of wide receiver Darrell Jackson.

Jackson has been QB Matt Hasselbeck’s favorite target over the past few seasons. The good news is that  the team still has a plethora of targets available in the passing game.

On defense, the Seahawks will rely on experienced vets and speedy youngsters. The addition of safety Deon Grant should vastly improve the secondary. This year’s D will likely be the best unit the 'Hawks have put together in recent memory.

The San Francisco 49ers, meanwhile, are one of the hardest-charging teams in the NFC, with a strong collection of young talent on both sides of the football.

Feature back Frank Gore and former number-one pick Alex Smith give the Niners a dangerous offensive corps. The addition of Jackson at receiver and the return of phenom tight end Vernon Davis should make for a legitimate vertical passing attack—even as the team copes with the loss of offensive coordinator Norv Turner.

On the defensive side of the ball, San Francisco added high-priced corner Nate Clements and drafted stud linebacker Patrick Willis. With an improved D, the Niners have the makings of a perennial playoff contender.

The St. Louis Rams are trying to get back to the top after treading water for several seasons. The Rams offense is dangerous: QB Marc Bulger is locked into a long-term deal, Steven Jackson has blossomed into an elite player, and Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt can still produce.

The problems in St. Louis have always been on the defensive side of the ball, and 2007 will be no different. The Rams are counting on rookie end Adam Carriker and second-year MLB Will Witherspoon to improve the unit. Getting into a shootout every week won't cut it if the Rams want to get back to the top of the West.

After years of disappointment, the Arizona Cardinals may finally be ready to make their way into the playoffs. With an up-and-coming quarterback in Matt Leinart and the most dynamic receiver tandem in the league in Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, the passing game should be a strength.

The offensive line, on the other hand, has to get much better, and the addition of the massive Levi Brown to protect Leinart’s backside should help.

On defense, the Cardinals' young players must step up. Bertrand Berry, Karlos Dansby, and Adrian Wilson are all playmakers who will anchor the unit.

All told, the West is truly up for grabs—and the team with the best execution will come out on top. If forced to make a prediction, I'd have Seattle narrowly winning the division, with the Niners finishing second and picking up a Wild Card berth.

All of these teams could be forces in the NFC if the cards fall right. On the other hand, a bit of misfortune might land any of them at the top of the 2008 Draft.