Season Outlook: The Journey Ends in the NFC West

Los Angeles Rams, 1st NFC West

Record: 12-4

Team MVP: Aaron Donald

Donald is clearly the best defensive lineman in the NFL. He is a game-changing force against the run or pass. Another great season is definitely on the way for the former defensive player of the year.

Breakout Player: Cooper Kupp

Through eight games in 2018, Cooper caught 40 passes for 566 yards and six touchdowns. If not for the injury, his name is not in this category. If he stays healthy, he is a lock for 80+ catches, and he knows what to do after the catch.

Season Outlook: The Rams have the Sean McVay as their head coach. Most interviews in the offseason had to have gone ‘ Did you ever work for, shake hands, or end up in the same room with Sean McVay?’ The impact he has made on the Rams, and the NFL in general, has been astounding. They win the division and challenge for a Superbowl again in 2019.

Seattle Seahawks, 2nd NFC West

Record: 10-6

Team MVP: Russell Wilson

If you have Russell Wilson at quarterback, you have a chance to win. Also, he is an NFL MVP candidate year in and year out. As stated in previous articles in this series, if you are an NFL MVP candidate, then you are the team MVP.

Breakout Player: Rashaad Penny

Penny showed flashes of what he can do during his rookie season. Now with Mike Davis out of town, more touches are on the way. Penny should see around 175 carries and some work in the passing game. The second-year back will provide a stellar duo in Seattle’s backfield with starter Chris Carson.

Season Outlook: The Seahawks certainly surprised the NFL media last season with a 10-6 record to finish second in the NFC West. Conversely, the 49ers and Cardinals were expected to be much better in 2018. Did those two teams add enough to challenge Seattle? The record above says it all.

San Francisco 49ers, 3rd NFC West

Record: 6-10

Team MVP: Joe Staley

Joe Staley is one of the best tackles in the NFL, but this choice is more by default. Combing over this roster proved one thing, these players have a lot to prove this year. Staley is one of the few that doesn’t, and that makes him the MVP.

Breakout Player: Jimmy Garoppolo

Do you still believe? Even after five straight picks in one practice session? The talent that shined in New England and for his first nine games in San Fran hasn’t just vanished. It may take a few games before you see the old Jimmy, but he will prove to be the future of the 49ers still.

Season Outlook: The 49ers seasons hinges on how fast Jimmy can get back to the form that took a mediocre roster 6-2 in his eight starts. After the five-interception performance mentioned above, it will obviously take a bit of time. That is why the 49ers will see minimal improvement this upcoming season.

Arizona Cardinals, 4th NFC West

Record: 3-13

Team MVP: Larry Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald is actually the most valuable veteran on this team, and they will need it. He is a Hall of Fame lock and still a solid player. His genuine value will be keeping the kids in line and getting his team to play hard no matter what.

Breakout Player: Christian Kirk

In spite of terrible quarterback play all season Kirk was able to have a solid rookie season. He finished the year with 43 receptions for 590 yards and three touchdowns. He will have all the targets he can handle in new head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s offense. The sky is the limit for the second-year wideout.

Season Outlook: The Cardinals are a team in rebuild mode, regardless of what they say/think. First, the roster needs an overhaul at all levels. Second, they have a difficult schedule ahead of them. And finally, they are counting on a rookie quarterback and head coach, with a lot of question marks. Culminating into another long season for Cards fans.

Previously: AFC East, AFC North, AFC South, AFC West, NFC East, NFC North, NFC South

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