Predicting the NFC West: 49ers Return to the Postseason in 2010

 My NFL predictions continue today with the NFC West division. Yesterday, they began with the AFC West.

The NFC West has been arguably the weakest division in football the last few seasons. But that doesn't mean success in the postseason hasn't come along with it.

Two years ago, the Arizona Cardinals made a magical run to the Superbowl. Last season, they came up short in advancing through the playoffs with a loss to the New Orleans Saints.

However, plenty has changed since that time for the Cardinals. Kurt Warner retired, Anquan Boldin was traded to Baltimore, and Karlos Dansby and Antrel Rolle exited through free agency. A long awaited starter waits in the wings in Matt Leinart. Will it be enough to bring this team back to the playoffs for another season?

Here are my predictions for the 2010 NFC West.

1. San Francisco 49ers

There are going to be new teams entering the playoff picture, and the 49ers are one of my new teams in 2010. Led by arguably the best line backer in football, Patrick Willis runs a young defense that is looking to take the next step to becoming elite.

Alex Smith now enters the final year of his contract and should be playing some of the best football in his career. Having Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree together for a whole season should improve the offensive performance this season. They also signed Brian Westbrook yesterday as a secondary back to help in the passing game and in goal-line situations as well.

Head coach Mike Singletary continues to make this team a disciplined unit. They may not have the best record in football this year, but getting into the playoffs makes them a team no one is looking forward to facing.

Prediction: 9-7

2. Arizona Cardinals

The era of Matt Leinart begins in Arizona, and I am not looking forward to it. Look, Leinart has improved as a quarterback with the extra reps in camp. However, he is to unproven for me to trust him in a big game, and or carry this team from behind.

Larry Fitzgerald is still around and should still be great. Steve Breaston and Early Doucet seem ready to fill the shoes left by Anquan Boldin, but it has to be put into action.

And the defense that was shaky last season—especially against the pass—got worse. Losing Antrel Rolle and Karlos Dansby will be hard to replace in one season.

Prediction: 8-8

3. Seattle Seahawks

Another era is beginning in the NFC West, this time with a new head coach in Pete Carroll. Carroll is trying to become a successful head coach on the NFL level, but it won't come easy.

It is going to be a tough year for Seahawks fans. I believe a new heir is needed at the quarterback position. Matt Hasselbeck is on his last legs and won't be healthy the whole season with the weak offensive line.

Golden Tate has big shoes to fill as a second or third option at receiver and I am not convinced it can happen in his rookie season.

The defense didn't add to many upgrades, thus not giving me confidence they will be vastly improved under Pete Carroll in his first season as coach.

Prediction: 6-10

4. St. Louis Rams

Quarterback Sam Bradford begins the hopeful era of the St. Louis Rams. However, 2010 will be a long season for the Rams.

The offensive line still hasn't been addressed enough and Sam Bradford will continue to get beaten behind center (keep in mind, he was fragile last year at Oklahoma).

The defense didn't receive any upgrades that are worth noticing, and the unit was ranked 29th in total defense last year.

This rebuilding will take time in St. Louis, and another losing season is on it's way in 2010.

Prediction: 3-13

My next set of predictions will be on the crowded division of the AFC East.

Matt Miselis is an NFL Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com.

Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/MattMiselis