2008 NFL Preview - NFC West

1. Seattle Seahawks (10-6 in 2007)

The team does not miss a beat from the 2007 season, and Julius Jones becomes the featured back that replaces Shaun Alexander. They don't lose too much there. The wide receivers display consistency, and the defense continues to be really underrated and one of the league’s best. This team will be good but not great. Good enough to win the division yet again however.

Key Additions: RB Julius Jones, RB TJ Duckett, G Mike Wahle, K Olindo Mare, DT Larry Tripplett, TE Jeb Putzier

Key Losses: RB Shaun Alexander, K Josh Brown, WR DJ Hackett, DT Chuck Darby, T Tom Ashworth

Prediction: 9-7, 1st place; loses in wild card round of playoffs again

2. Arizona Cardinals (8-8 in 2007)

Kurt Warner leads the aerial attack for the Cardinals who balance it out with an ok running game. Rookie Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie makes an instant impact on an improving defense. However, the running game still struggles to pose a significant threat in my opinion and the offensive line fails to protect the quarterback. And in Anquan Boldin can't stay happy you can expect it to be a big distraction.

Key Additions: CB Michael Adams, LB Clark Haggans, DE Travis LaBoy, DL Bryan Robinson, QB Brian St. Pierre, LB Matt Stewart, TE Jerame Tuman

Key Losses: DL Rodney Bailey, P Mitch Berger, LB Darryl Blackstock, DT Chris Cooper, S Terrence Holt, LB Brandon Johnson, WR Bryant Johnson, LB Calvin Pace, QB Tim Rattay, OT Oliver Ross, G Keydrick Vincent

Prediction: 8-8, same crap, different year

3. San Francisco 49ers (5-22 in 2007)

Quite simply put, it doesn’t matter who is the quarterback — as long as he can lead the offense. The offense will show significant improvement under Mike Martz and the defense will be pretty good. I personally think that if Alex Smith starts this team cannot do any better than 3rd in the West. J.T. O'Sullivan has played real well this preseason and I think if he is the starter he can help the 9ers flirt with 2nd place in the West. The 9ers need another year or two.

Key Additions: DE Justin Smith, WR Bryant Johnson, WR Isaac Bruce, LB Takeo Spikes, QB J.T. O’Sullivan, RB DeShaun Foster, KR Allen Rossum, LB Dontarrious Thomas

Key Losses: DT Bryant Young, G Larry Allen, G Justin Smiley, LB Derek Smith, T Kwame Harris, QB Trent Dilfer, DE Marques Douglas, RB Maurice Hicks, WR Darrell Jackson

Prediction: 6-10

4. St. Louis Rams (3-13 in 2007)

Marc Bulger is going to continue to get majorly pressured. And who really knows is Stephen Jackson is going to step up and earn the big bucks so the run game may never reallydevelop. The defensive line cannot apply enough pressure to opponents, and the Rams give up numerous big plays. They just won't be good.

Key Additions: K Josh Brown, G Jacob Bell, TE Anthony Becht, QB Trent Green, QB Bruce Gradkowski, WR Reche Caldwell

Key Losses: K Jeff Wilkins, WR Isaac Bruce, LB Brandon Chillar

Prediction: 4-12