NFC West Predictions: Seattle Seahawks Challenged by San Francisco 49ers

Personally, we like the Rams. We like the potential with players like Steven Jackson, Chris Long, Adam Carriker, O.J. Atogwe, and Victor Adeyanju. That being said, the young Rams start the season with about as brutal a schedule as a team can face in the NFL.

The first seven games feature five playoff teams, including both Super Bowl participants, and all seven are .500 or better in 2008, according to this analysis.

That should help these young players in the long run, but this is not March Madness. Not everyone can overcome a tough schedule to make a run. Whether the Rams' egos can take it should be evident in the final nine games of the year, yet it really only affects 2009 and beyond. The Rams average 21.3 points per game (24th) and allow 28.2 points (28th) against a schedule featuring seven games against 2007 playoff teams.

Absolute Record: 5-11

Most Significant Newcomer: Chris Long, DE—Many people think he will have an even better year than we give him credit for. As it stands, Long and Carriker are the future of this defense, and they will use 2008 to build for that future. Long is not just a pass rusher. He can stop the run, get in the passing lanes, and make big plays. In 2008, we project him to make 34 tackles and seven sacks.

Biggest Strength: Steven Jackson—The dude is a monster (in all the best ways possible). When offensive coordinator Al Saunders says that Jackson has not yet even touched his potential, our jaws drop. But, we believe him.

Saunders has helped to maximize the productivity of guys including Marshall Faulk, Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson, and Clinton Portis. Steven Jackson is not just in the same conversation as those guys; he could end up being better. In the first year of the new system, we give him 1,823 total yards and 15 touchdowns.

Most Exploitable Weakness: Turnovers—St. Louis was last in the NFC with 37 turnovers on offense in 2007. Thirty of those turnovers came from former Pro-Bowl players who should know better. Starting with the veterans, this team needs to focus more and limit mistakes.

Possible Fantasy Sleeper: Randy McMichael, TE—If the fantasy league has 10 or more teams in it, Randy McMichael had better be starting. By all accounts, 39 catches for 429 yards in 2007 came in a year when he was under-utilized and the passing game struggled far more than usual.

Now, Al Saunders, who brought us Tony Gonzalez and Chris Cooley, will use McMichael to stretch the middle of the field. Draft him before Desmond Clark or Vernon Davis.

Closest Game: @ Atlanta (Week 17)—By this time, both teams will be playing for next year. If the young players on St. Louis are truly hungry and ready to be competitive in 2009, they will make a statement in Atlanta.

Fantasy Notables: Marc Bulger (18) 3,396 yards, 19 TDs, 17 INTs; Steven Jackson (4) 1,823 total yards, 15 TDs; Torry Holt (10) 95 receptions, 1,236 yards, 6 TDs; Drew Bennett (48) 63 receptions, 698 yards, 5 TDs; Randy McMichael (10) 51 receptions, 624 yards, 3 TDs; Josh Brown (23) 37/37 XPs, 24/28 FGs

Projected 2008 Results:

Click here to view a schedule of 2008 NFL previews, and to see others that have been posted. The other previews on BleacherReport can be found below:  

AFC East

Browns-vs-Steelers-110608" target="_blank" title="AFC North">AFC North

Chargers-Lead-the-Pack-130608" target="_blank" title="AFC West">AFC West

Colts-Still-The-Team-To-Beat-140608" target="_blank" title="AFC South">AFC South

NFC East

NFC North

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