2015 NFL predictions

NFC West

The Seahawks are still a dominant team, but something will have to give…and it will have to give soon. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Seahawks (13-3; 1st Place NFC West)

Story of the season – The Seahawks are still the top dog in the NFC…though that may change soon.  While they have a lot of salary cap questions, it shouldn’t hurt them this year.  Kam Chancellor’s holdout could be a problem, but it should be one they can mitigate.  I see a step backwards coming, but it won’t come this year.

Arizona Cardinals (10-6; 2nd Place NFC West)

Story of the season – Arizona continues to have issues on the offensive line.  That they continue to seemingly rotate through quarterbacks, wide receives, and running backs should be a big clue.  However, the situation still remains the same.  I have no faith in Carson Palmer’s ability to stay healthy behind this line.

St. Louis Rams (9-7; 3rd Place NFC West)

Story of the season – The Rams have been one of the most steadily improving teams over the past several years.  The defense is loaded with talent, but the offense is lagging behind.  I expect that to continue.  I think the Rams got the better end of the Bradford-Foles trade, but the running game is crippled to start the year and there isn’t much to speak of as far as wide receivers.  That will keep them from really pressing the top teams in this division.

San Francisco 49ers (2-14; 4th Place NFC West)

Story of the season – I thought the 49ers were going to be worse this year anyways…but add in the exodus of on-field talent?  Forget about it.  I don’t know that I have ever witnessed a worse offseason than the one the 49ers had this year.  It will be interesting to see how the team responds to this dismal year.  There could be some more major changes coming down the pipe.