Why Every Division in the NFC Is Still Up for Grabs

NFC West

1. Arizona Cardinals

Why they have a shot:

• Kurt Warner is playing like he's manning the Greatest Show On Turf, Act II.
• Tim Hightower, the rookie, is playing lights out and to date has only two games thus far without at least two touchdowns. That's impressive.
• Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Steve Breaston. They might just rival Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, and Brandon Stokely of the back-in-the-day Colts.

Why they could blow it:

• Their pass defense has been letting them down. The run defense is capable but they're getting slashed through the air.
• Not enough pressure off the edges from their rookies and free agent pickups. The new guys need to start producing more on the defensive side of the ball.

2. San Francisco 49ers

Why they have a shot:

• The offense is playing well under Mike Martz. They just always seem to make that one costly error. But overall, they're playing well enough for this team to win some games.
• Frank Gore is playing like Marshall Faulk did for the Rams in '99.
• Patrick Willis is once again one of the best LBs in the league, in his second year.

Why they could blow it:

• The defense makes too many mistakes. They're not ranked higher than 20th in any defensive statistical category.
• The offense, while playing better and showing some explosiveness, isn't playing well enough to make up for the defense's shortcomings.
• Poor special teams won't win them any games.

3. Seattle Seahawks

Why they have a shot:

• They still have guys like Deion Branch, Matt Hasselbeck, Maurice Morris, Patrick Kerney, and Julian Peterson. There's no reason for them to be this bad.

Why they could blow it:

• Seven wide receivers were injured to start the year. Then, once they finally get healthy, Hasselbeck goes down. This team cannot catch a break.
• The defense is putrid. They don't rank above 22nd in any statistical category. That won't win you any games in this league.

4. St. Louis Rams

Why they have a shot:

• They still have players like Marc Bulger, Steven Jackson, and Torry Holt. Just like the Seahawks, there is no reason for this team to be this bad.
• They found a way to win a game, that's always a step in the right direction.

Why they could blow it:

• The defense is a huge let-down. They showed they can play against the Redskins. Will they continue the success and let the momentum carry them? I'm not ready to say that.
• The offensive line is not giving Bulger the necessary time to make plays. They need to step up as a group.

How I See This Shaping Up

1. Arizona Cardinals (11-5)
2. San Francisco 49ers (6-10)
3. Seattle Seahawks (5-11)
4. St. Louis Rams (2-14)

Check the link to the AFC divisional breakdown as well!

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