Predicting The NFC West: Who Will Give Arizona A Run At The Division?

This article is the second part of the predictions of divisions, and soon to be playoffs and eventual champion. The 1st article written was on the AFC West.

The NFC West division has been looked down upon over the years as the weakest one in all of football. Last year, the division winner won only nine games, while the two bottom teams in the league earned top five draft picks. The mid-level team found themselves with a new coach.

However, last season came with a shock. The Arizona Cardinals saw a magic playoff run in them, as the team made an appearance in the Super Bowl, and just came up short of winning the title.

The overall division does experience many changes in 2009. Two new head coaches, free agents entering and departing.

This season, the AFC West does have a tough schedule, having to play the AFC South along with the improving NFC North.

Will anyone challenge the Arizona Cardinals for the division crown this season? Or shall it be Arizona representing once again?

1. Seattle Seahawks- As a surprise to some, a gut move to consider, the bold prediction of the series will be the Seattle Seahawks taking the division. Last season, the team battled with constant injuries, which included the starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Sure, every team battles injuries, however, Seattle was one of the teams that suffered greatly because of them.

In the off season, Seattle signed the target Hasselbeck needed in TJ Houshmandzadeh. Housh has been in the recent news for ripping the Madden '10 game for a low rating, one which should motivate him heading into the season.  

Even with an interesting schedule on their hands, the home part does favor Seattle. One of the more difficult teams to beat at home, they are lucky to face the Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Bucs, Jacksonville Jaguars, teams which are struggling in the league.

They also get some slight edges over the Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers, and possibly the Chicago Bears. The key for them as for most teams, is winning on the road. As of now, Seattle is in the drivers seat heading into the season, and I give them the edge for the division lead.

Prediction: 9-7

2. Arizona Cardinals- The Arizona Cardinals, who faced trouble on the road and victory at home, played their way into the Super Bowl against the Pittsburgh Steelers Heading into 2009, some questions do need to be answered. Last season they won on the road in the post-season, despite the fact that they were brutal during the regular season. Can they improve on that aspect heading into 2009?

After all, the team faces some interesting road games on the east coast, with @ Chicago, @ New York Giants, @ Tennessee, and @ Carolina ( who garnishes revenge). Just like Seattle, they do face a few teams that shall garnish them easy wins. However, when they face contenders such as the Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings at home, can we say for certain they will take care of business?

Unfortunately, it's a tough statement to make. The off season was a crucial time for the team to make an addition, especially with Seattle stepping up their game. However, at this point in time the Cardinals still have a few questions needed to be answered, and as previous Super Bowl runner-ups, there will be no playoffs in Arizona.

Prediction: 9-7 ( lost tie-breaker)

3. San Francisco 49ers- The San Francisco 49ers head into 2009 with the hopes of getting back to the playoffs. Under head coach Mike Singletary, who brought some fire to the team mid-season in '08, fans are hoping to see improvement on another disappointing performance. In the draft, the 49ers selected Michael Crabtree at the 10th overall pick. However, we are seeing a hold-out in Crabtree, which can hurt the team in the long-run for this year.

Aside from Crabtree, there is still to many issues on the offensive side. Running back Frank Gore was disappointing the past few seasons. Can he emerge as the top running back everyone believed he would be after his one dominant season?

Then, there is the quarterback issue. The battle is going on between Shaun Hill and bust Alex Smith. Hill most likely will be starting opening weekend, and frankly, that is not good enough. When you have major questions at the quarterback spot, and whether he can throw the ball down the field, you are not going to have much success.

On the defensive side, you have Patrick Willis, one of the best line backers in the league, leading along with Takeo Spikes. The team, though, is an average group at best.

It does look as if the coaching staff is in the right place, but a few more drafts and off seasons will be needed before we say this is a playoff club.

Prediction: 7-9

4. St. Louis Rams- Are the St. Louis a surprise at last place in the NFC West? Why should it be? Coming off a 2-14 horror show, the Rams hired Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as the new head coach to try and clean up the mess of a franchise.

Their off season was a sure disappointment for Rams fans, as the front office let veterans Torry Holt and Orlando Pace hit free agency. Holt, the only productive target the offense had, went to Jacksonville. While Pace, the veteran lineman of the weak offensive line, went to Chicago.

With the second pick, St. Louis drafted Jason Smith, the top lineman out of Baylor. However, even he won't be enough to save Marc Bulger from being on his back most of the season.

Running back Steven Jackson, who has been disappointing the past few seasons, faces more trouble in 2009. With Holt out of the offense, the line will be stacked against Jackson to stop the run, creating little to no production on that side of the ball

The defense also has been near the bottom of the league, one which will take a few years for Steve to change.

Right now, they have to be considered one of the worst teams in football this year. It shall be another rough season for the St. Louis Rams.

Prediction: 3-13

Matt Miselis is an NFL writer for BleacherReport.com. He is also a writer for the Baltimore Ravens on a new site, FanHuddle.com