Betting
8/11/23
5 min read
NFL Record Predictions for Every NFC West Team Entering 2023 Preseason
With the preseason officially underway, it’s time to take an updated look at each team’s season-long prospects. In the coming days, we’ll provide record predictions for each NFL team, continuing with the NFC West.
Listen to NFL insider Ari Meirov discuss fantasy-relevant news for each NFC team with Josh Larky and Ryan Reynolds.
Other Predictions
AFC: East | South | North | West
NFC West Record Predictions
Arizona Cardinals
2022 Record: 4-13
2023 Win Total: 4.5
Division Odds: +2500
Super Bowl Odds: +20000
Kyler Murray suffered a season-ending ACL injury last December, which will result in Murray missing time. Murray’s absence makes 2023 look like a lost season for the rebuilding Arizona Cardinals.
How Arizona Exceeds Expectations
Arizona needs Colt McCoy or Clayton Tune to steal a win or two until Murray returns. If that happens, the Cardinals can beat their win total if Murray returns around midseason.
How Arizona Fails to Meet Expectations
While Murray is sidelined, the Cardinals look like the slam-dunk worst team in football. Arizona opens the year with a below-average pass rush, a below-average offensive line and the worst quarterback situation in the league.
The Cardinals face four 2022 playoff teams in their first five games. If Arizona gets off to a slow start, there’s even less reason to rush Murray back into action.
Record Prediction: 3-14
>> READ: Cardinals Fantasy Team Preview
Los Angeles Rams
2022 Record: 5-12
2023 Win Total: 6.5
Division Odds: +1000
Super Bowl Odds: +8000
The Matthew Stafford-era Los Angeles Rams are a tale of two seasons. In 2021, Los Angeles won the Super Bowl. Last season, the Rams started with a 3-3 record heading into their bye week. After that, Los Angeles crumbled, as they finished 2-9 down the stretch.
How Los Angeles Exceeds Expectations
The Rams still have a strong core with coach Sean McVay, Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald. If their offensive line provides more stability than last season, Los Angeles could field a good enough offense to beat its win total.
How Los Angeles Meets Expectations
Donald is one of the best defensive centerpieces in NFL history. Outside of him, the rest of the Rams’ defense is littered with volatile players with limited experience. Ultimately, Los Angeles could field a bottom-five pass rush and secondary.
Los Angeles has potential on offense, but the team’s offensive line was among the most disappointing position groups in football last season. If that group continues to struggle, that will be a problem for a veteran pocket passer like Stafford.
Record Prediction: 4-13
>> READ: Rams Fantasy Team Preview
San Francisco 49ers
2022 Record: 13-4
2023 Win Total: 10.5
Division Odds: -160
Super Bowl Odds: +1000
The San Francisco 49ers have played in three of the last four NFC Championship games. San Francisco has one of the league’s best rosters, and Kyle Shanahan is among the best play callers in the NFL. The 49ers' quarterback room, however, comes with some questions.
How San Francisco Exceeds Expectations
The 49ers’ defense has been a top-shelf group for years. This offseason, they signed DT Javon Hargrave, adding another difference-maker to their already formidable front. The 49ers defense could conceivably be even more dangerous this year.
Offensively, the 49ers have one of, if not the most complete skill groups in football. As long as they get solid quarterback play, Shanahan’s offense will be a high-performing unit.
How San Francisco Fails to Meet Expectations
Quarterback volatility is the primary path to failure for the 49ers this season. Brock Purdy’s offense scored 33 or more points in five of his six regular-season appearances after filling in for Jimmy Garoppolo.
What Purdy did last year, as the last pick in last year’s draft, simply doesn’t happen in professional football. That said, his success can largely be attributed to his exceptional supporting cast, and he’s coming off a significant injury to his throwing elbow.
If Purdy suffers any kind of setback, San Francisco will turn to journeyman Sam Darnold or developmental prospect Trey Lance. The 49ers quarterback room isn’t the most stable.
Additionally, the 49ers have lost difference-making starters on their offensive line two years in a row. They are now in a position where an injury to elite left tackle Trent Williams could turn that group into a below-average offensive line.
Record Prediction: 12-5
>> READ: 49ers Fantasy Team Preview
Seattle Seahawks
2022 Record: 9-8
2023 Win Total: 9.5
Division Odds: +195
Super Bowl Odds: +3000
Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks’ march to the playoffs was among the most surprising stories in 2022. Armed with considerable cap space and two picks in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft, Seattle improved on both sides of the ball. Seattle could contend in the NFC.
How Seattle Exceeds Expectations
The Seahawks will have as many as five new starters on defense, including fifth-overall pick Devon Witherspoon. On offense, the Seahawks have a solid offensive line, a talented running back duo and arguably the best wide receiver trio in the league.
As long as Smith plays at a high level, Seattle is an ascending threat in the NFC.
How Seattle Fails to Meet Expectations
Smith was last year’s Comeback Player of the Year, putting together one of the most surprising seasons in recent memory. Smith is a true NFL Cinderella story.
The clearest path to Seattle falling below expectations is if Smith turns back into a pumpkin. Otherwise, the Seahawks are a playoff team that added significant talent on both sides of the ball.
Record Prediction: 10-7
>> READ: Seahawks Fantasy Team Preview
>> READ: 10 Things to Know About Seattle's Offense
Follow Ryan Reynolds on Twitter @RyanReynoldsNFL.
