2010-2011 NFL Predictions: Macho Rhino's NFC West Preview

This is easily the worst division in football. The 49ers are a good team, but outside of that, there’s not much talent in the NFC West.

San Fran should ride this terrible division to a good record and possibly a high seed in the NFC playoffs.

1. San Francisco 49ers (12-4)

I think Alex Smith is going to play well this season, and with a good defense, the 49ers are going to be in the playoffs. Frank Gore should have a huge year behind a strong offensive line and allow the 49ers to host a home playoff game in January. This is a huge step for a largely young, yet talented team.

2. Arizona Cardinals (5-11)

Derek Anderson can’t inspire much confidence in the desert. While his preseason looked good, the end of his time in Cleveland was ugly. The loss of linebacker Karlos Dansby is going to hurt the defense. He was a leader and always seemed to be in the right spot at the right time when they needed someone to make a play.

3. Seattle Seahawks (3-13)

The key to their season is keeping Matt Hasselbeck healthy. If he is, they’ve got a shot to make waves in the division since it’s so weak. This is a tough team to read because it’s hard to know how Pete Carroll will transition back to the NFL. He could have them very competitive or searching for answers.

4. St. Louis Rams (2-14)

The Rams have the least talent of any of the NFL’s 32 teams. Steve Spagnuolo took over a team a year ago that didn’t have much in the cupboard. Sam Bradford has shown some encouraging signs late in the preseason, but will that translate to the regular season? He needs to find a way to get players to step up every week for them to even be competitive. Luckily they’ve got a couple games they should be able to win on the schedule this year.

BEST OFFENSIVE PLAYER: Larry Fitzgerald (WR, Cardinals)

BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: Patrick Willis (LB, 49ers)

BEST HEAD COACH: Ken Whisenhunt (Cardinals)

BEST OFFENSIVE ROOKIE: Rodger Saffold (OT, Rams)

BEST DEFENSIVE ROOKIE: Earl Thomas (SS, Seahawks)

See more in our 2010 NFL Preview here.