NFC West Predictions
Written July 28, 2008 by Jason Lowry
Professional handicapper Jason Lowry is ready to bring you his 2008 NFC West division predictions, as a new season is only a little over a month away. Last year the NFC West in many ways failed to live up to expectations as the Seattle was the only team in the division that really put together a solid season going 10-6. The Rams were expected to take over the division, but wound up being the worst team in the NFC going just 3-13. The Cardinals and 49ers were both expected to have solid season, but Arizona finished just 8-8 while the 49ers were able to just win 5 games. There have been many additions and departures since the end of last season, so lets take a look at how we see things playing out this season.
1) Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks were the bright spot out of this division last season, and we think they will have little trouble repeating that in 2008. The Seahawks were able to handle former MVP Shaun Alexander falling off the face of the earth last season, and have brought in running backs Julius Jones and TJ Duckett this offseason to help fix the problem. If quarterback Matt Hasselbeck can stay healthy this team could make a run at least another 10 win season.
Seahawks -125 odds to win NFC West at Sportsbook.com
2) St Louis Rams
Its hard to explain what happened with the Rams last season, but the team really needs to just forget about what happened and start off the new season with hopes it can again contend in the NFC. Look for running back Steven Jackson to have the breakout year everyone was expecting, and rookie defensive end Chris Long to really help the defense with his relentless attack on the quarterback. Looks for the Rams to be one of the most improved teams in the entire NFL, and if the Seahawks slip up they could wind up going from first to last.
Rams +500 odds to win NFC West at Sportsbook.com
3) Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals came into 2007 with high hopes at competing for a division title, but wound up struggling just to compete in any game last season. The team still has to decide if it wants to go with the experienced Kurt Warner or the future face of the franchise in Matt Leinart. The team is going to miss linebacker Calvin Pace and wide receiver Bryant Johnson, but the addition of LB/DE Travis LaBoy should at least help out the defensive side of things. Look for the Cardinals to remain right around 8-8 again in 2008.
Cardinals +225 odds to win the NFC West at Sportsbook.com
4) San Francisco 49ers
Things didn’t go as planned in San Francisco as well last season, as quarterback Alex Smith missed most of the season with a separated right shoulder, and running back Frank Gore had trouble getting anything going. The team brought in receivers Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson to help out the passing attack, while DeShaun Foster comes over to help take some of the load off Gore in the running game. The defense is young and talented and should enjoy the addition of defensive end Justin Smith and linebacker Dontarrious Thomas, but when its all said and done this team will wind up finishing last in the West with at most 6-7 wins.
49ers +550 odds to win NFC South at Sportsbook.com
Be sure to check out our complete take on the upcoming NFL season and our 2009 Super Bowl predictions. Also if you are looking for a great place to do all your NFL betting this season, be sure to check out Sportsbook.com today and get an account up and running now.