2010 NFL Season: NFC West Preview

Known as the worst division in the NFL, the NFC West, now that Kurt Warner has retired, is wide open to win.

No. 4: St. Louis Rams

The past three seasons, the St.Louis Rams have been bad.

How bad exactly? They have just six wins in three years.

Yes, that bad.

In 2007, they went 3-13.

In 2008, they followed that up by going 2-14, and then last season, the Rams continued to decrease in wins, finishing with a 1-15 record.

Notice a trend here?

With the first pick in the 2010 draft, the Rams took Sam Bradford, who they pray will be their savior. Bradford has a long road ahead of him to get this team back to prominence. It won't be easy.

Prediction: 2-14

No. 3: Arizona Cardinals

For the Arizona Cardinals and their NFC West reign, it was fun while it lasted.

Thanks to the magic of Kurt Warner, the Cardinals became relevant the past few seasons, nearly winning a super bowl along the way.

But, with Kurt Warner retiring, the Cardinals have a question mark at the quarterback spot. 

Matt Leinart, after four long years of watching Warner, was supposed to take over at quarterback in 2010. However, a bad training camp and pre-season has pushed Leinart backwards and it looks like it will be Derek Anderson, and not Leinart who could be starting for Arizona on opening day. 

Leinart is unhappy, and he really has not had a chance in Arizona. It doesn't look too promising for him. 

It could be a long year for the Cardinals.

Prediction: 6-10

No. 2: Seattle Seahawks

For the Seahawks, they live and die by the health of Matt Hasselbeck. When he's healthy, the Seahawks are very good and one of the best teams in the NFC.

Unfortunately, the past few seasons, Hasselbeck has been constantly injured, causing the Seahawks to struggle along the way.

With a fresh season, a new coach in Pete Carroll, and a wide open NFC West, the Seahawks have a chance to be relevant again.

They will win some games in their weak division, but will it be enough to put them back atop the NFC West?

Prediction: 7-9

No. 1: San Francisco 49ers

If there was ever a year for the Niners to win their division, it's now.

After starting last season on the right foot, the Niners were not able to continue and missed the playoffs at 8-8.

There were many things to be optimistic about however.

The improved play of former number one pick Alex Smith was one of them. After filling in for Shaun Hill, Smith looked good, and in 2010, this is really his time to shine

If he can't lead the 49ers to a playoff berth this year, his career in San Francisco will likely be over.

The play of Alex Smith, to go along with a talented defense, should have 49er fans hopeful about the upcoming season.

Prediction: 10-6