NFC West 2009 Preview

While there may be better divisions in the NFL, few look to be as interesting as the race for the NFC West. Mediocrity has settled over the four NFC West teams in the last few years, but, in my opinion, three out of the four teams in the West figure to have a shot. Here's a preview of all four teams strengths and weaknesses and how they figure to perform heading into the 2009 season.

1. Arizona Cardinals—The Cards shocked the world by going to the Super Bowl last year and coming within 30 seconds of winning it. However, the fact is that Arizona's got some of the best skill players in the game. Anquan Boldin is likely to have a monster year given to the fact that he still hasn't gotten paid and wants to prove once and for all that he deserves it.

If Warner stay healthy Boldin, Fitz, and Breaston will provide him the best receiving corps in the League, bar none. If the defense stays healthy the Cardinals have a good shot of winning 10-12 games this year.

2. Seattle Seahawks—Three words: Matt Hasselbeck's health. That's what the Seahawks season depends on, and overall health in general. Seattle had 26 players miss a combined 126 games last year. The former four-time NFC West champs had a dismal 4-12 record last year, but if they can stay healthy, the talent is there for a quick rebound to success and postseason play at Qwest Field this year.

New aquisitions T.J Houshmandzadeh, Cory Redding, Ken Lucas, the drafting of Aaron Curry, Deon Butler, and even C Max Unger out of Oregon, chosen in the second round, all look to be impact players in the immediate future. The Seahawks O-line has steadily declined since Hutch left after the Super Bowl, and the release/retirement of Mike Wahle doesn't help either. However, if (and at this point it's a big if) Seattle can remain healthy, I don't see why they can't win at least 10 games and earn a playoff birth.

3. San Fransisco 49ers—This is probably the dark horse team of most Vegas betters this year, however, with the holdhout of tenth overall pick Michael Crabtree and questions remaining as to who will officially be the starting quaterback, the Niners outlook for success this season is getting markedly darker. Hope still springs eternal in August, and if former early round picks LB Manny Lawson, QB Alex Smith, and TE Vernon Davis can step up and deliver on their original promise, the 49ers can find a way to compete this year.

4. St. Louis Rams—The Rams have been absolutely dreadful the past few years, but things are starting to look up in St. Louis, new head Coach Steve Spagnuolo figures to be looking to instill the resolve and toughness that took the Giants from an average to top five defense into what has been a historically soft, injury prone St. Louis defense.

Marc Bulger's health is also a big question, as to who will step up as the true number one receiver after Torry Holt's departure via Free Agency to Jacksonville. The Rams have a solid group of players, but whether or not they will perform is the biggest question surrounding the 2009 St. Louis Rams

That's it. 2009 NFC West (in my opinion at least)