The season is drawing near, so naturally it is time to look ahead to the playoffs. No? This eight-part series takes a look at each division and discusses the outlook for every team in the NFL — in both the regular season and playoffs.
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NFC WEST
TEAM: Seahawks
RECORD: 8-8 : Win the Division
REASON: The Seahawks are young and have a lot of the pieces it takes to go to the playoffs. Their big question mark is at quarterback because no one knows how Matt Hasselbeck will do. However, the whole division is weak at quarterback, so youth could help the Seahawks win the division — reaching the postseason out of arguably the weakest division in the league.
TEAM: Cardinals
RECORD: 7-9 ; No Playoffs
REASON: The Cardinals are in a difficult position, having just lost future hall of fame quarterback Kurt Warner. Their new quarterback, Matt Leinart was formerly benched because he could not produce and had a weak arm. The Cardinals do boast an offensive line capable of protecting Leinart but will likely fail to continue the success they enjoyed with Warner. With only an average defense, the Cardinals may struggle.
TEAM: 49ers
RECORD: 7-9 ; No Playoffs
REASON: As much offensive talent as the 49ers have, the lack of a reliable quarterback could destroy their chances to build on last season. Singletary’s defense is good and moving the right direction, but the ‘9ers could still suffer against teams with players like Larry Fitzgerald and T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
TEAM: Rams
RECORD: 3-13 ; No Playoffs
REASON: The Rams made a solid pick in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, selecting Sam Bradford as their quarterback for the future. Their dismal offensive line could negate his short-term presence but a three-win season is not out of the question.
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