We have looked at the NFC East, North, and South divisions, so let’s look at the West. The NFC West could be the strongest division in football this season. The Seattle Seahawks are the defending Super Bowl champions, the Los Angeles Rams have assembled one of the NFL’s most talented rosters, and the San Francisco 49ers should be healthier after winning 12 games in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals are beginning a new era and appear to be several steps behind their division rivals.
Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco all won at least 12 games last season, making the NFC West the first division in NFL history to produce three 12-win teams. However, only one of them can claim the division crown in 2026.
Here is my predicted order of finish.
1. Los Angeles Rams
Predicted record: 13-4
My pick to win the NFC West is the Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams were already one of the best teams in football last season. Matthew Stafford won the NFL MVP award while leading the league’s top passing offense. He remains surrounded by outstanding weapons, including Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
As long as Stafford stays healthy, Sean McVay should once again have one of the NFL’s most productive offenses. The Rams can attack opponents with an explosive passing game while forcing defenses to cover every part of the field.
The biggest reason Los Angeles moves ahead of Seattle in my prediction is its revamped defense.
The Rams made a blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett after he recorded an NFL-record 23 sacks last season. Although Los Angeles gave up Jared Verse and significant draft capital, Garrett is the type of game-changing pass rusher who can take over close games.
Los Angeles also strengthened its secondary by adding All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Those additions addressed a major weakness for a defense that allowed 31 points in each of its three playoff games last season. Garrett now joins a defensive front that includes Kobie Turner and Byron Young. NFL.com called the Garrett trade the offseason move that could tilt the NFC West race.
There are concerns about Stafford’s age and the price the Rams paid to improve their roster. However, Los Angeles is clearly operating with a win-now mentality.
The Rams have the best combination of quarterback play, coaching, offensive firepower, and defensive star power in the division. Many people have this Los Angeles Rams team as the favorite to win the Super Bowl.
2. Seattle Seahawks
Predicted record: 12-5
Seattle enters the season as the defending NFC West and Super Bowl champion. The Seahawks finished 14-3 last year before dominating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
Mike Macdonald has built one of the league’s most physical and disciplined defenses. Devon Witherspoon remains the centerpiece of a talented secondary, while DeMarcus Lawrence brings experience and playmaking ability to the defensive front.
The Seahawks also return quarterback Sam Darnold and star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Darnold proved he could lead a championship team, but he will now face the challenge of repeating that success with a new offensive coordinator.
Brian Fleury replaced Klint Kubiak after Kubiak became the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach. Although Fleury plans to maintain much of Seattle’s existing offensive system, this will be his first season calling plays.
Seattle also lost several contributors, including Kenneth Walker III, Boye Mafe, Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant. The running game could experience growing pains with Zach Charbonnet returning from a torn ACL and rookie Jadarian Price potentially receiving a major role.
The Seahawks should remain a Super Bowl contender because of their defense, coaching, and home-field advantage. However, repeating a 14-win championship season is extremely difficult.
Los Angeles and Seattle do not meet until Weeks 16 and 18, meaning their two late-season matchups could determine the division champion. Last season’s regular-season series was incredibly close—the Rams held a combined advantage of only one point and one yard over two games.
3. San Francisco 49ers
Predicted record: 11-6
San Francisco might be the best third-place team in the NFL.
The 49ers finished 12-5 last season despite dealing with numerous injuries. A healthier roster could make them dangerous throughout the regular season and playoffs.
Nick Bosa, Fred Warner and George Kittle are expected to return from significant injuries. San Francisco also added veteran receiver Mike Evans, giving Brock Purdy an accomplished red-zone target and proven leader.
The combination of Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, Kittle, Evans and returning Deebo Samuel gives Kyle Shanahan plenty of offensive options. If the key players stay available, the 49ers have enough talent to compete with both Los Angeles and Seattle.
Health remains the biggest concern. Kittle is returning from a torn Achilles, while Evans and Pearsall have also dealt with injuries. San Francisco lost dependable receiver Jauan Jennings, placing additional pressure on its remaining pass catchers.
The defensive line is another question. Bosa’s return will help, but the 49ers need more consistent production around him after recording only 20 sacks last season.
San Francisco also faces an unusual travel burden that includes international games in Australia and Mexico City. That demanding schedule could be the difference in a division where there is little separation between the top three teams.
The 49ers should return to the playoffs, but I have them narrowly finishing behind the Rams and Seahawks.
4. Arizona Cardinals
Predicted record: 4-13
The Arizona Cardinals are entering a rebuilding season after finishing 3-14 in 2025.
Arizona hired former Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur as its new head coach and released longtime quarterback Kyler Murray. Jacoby Brissett entered training camp as the presumed starter, but his contract situation created additional uncertainty around the position.
The Cardinals also signed Gardner Minshew and drafted Carson Beck in the third round. Arizona may spend much of the season evaluating whether Beck can eventually become its long-term answer at quarterback.
There are some promising offensive pieces. Marvin Harrison Jr. possesses the talent to develop into an elite receiver, Trey McBride is one of the NFL’s best tight ends, and rookie running back Jeremiyah Love brings explosiveness to the backfield.
Unfortunately, the roster still has too many weaknesses to compete with three established contenders. Arizona must also navigate one of the league’s most difficult schedules.
Improvement is possible, but competing for the NFC West title is unrealistic this season.
Final NFC West Predictions
- Los Angeles Rams: 13-4
- Seattle Seahawks: 12-5
- San Francisco 49ers: 11-6
- Arizona Cardinals: 4-13
Why the Rams Will Win the NFC West
Seattle deserves respect as the defending champion, but the Rams made the most impactful upgrades in the division.
Adding Garrett, McDuffie, and Watson transformed the defense, while Stafford, Nacua, and Adams give Los Angeles a championship-level offense. McVay also remains one of the league’s best coaches.
The division may not be settled until the Rams and Seahawks meet in Week 18. My prediction is that Los Angeles wins that game, finishes 13-4, and captures the 2026 NFC West championship.
The Seahawks and 49ers should both reach the playoffs, giving the NFC West three postseason teams for the second consecutive season.
