Predicting each NFC West team's record for the 2019 NFL season

The NFC West may just contain some of the NFL's most prolific and explosive offenses. From Russell Wilson and his magical plays, to Jared Goff and the high-flying offense, surrounded by the 'battering ram' himself, Todd Gurley. Don't forget about Jimmy G and that new and improved 49ers defense, with players like Kwon Alexander and Dee Ford.

Kyler Murray might just be the league's most intriguing rookie, too, as he's tasked with leading an Arizona Cardinals team that was-- for a lack of better words, dreadful in 2018. That said, here's how I believe each team will fare, record-wise, in 2019.

#1 Los Angeles Rams: 12-4

Coming off one of their best seasons in franchise history, the Rams are looking to win their division in back-to-back seasons. Last season, Los Angeles arguably had the most explosive offense in the entire league. Yet, they only managed to score a measly three points in Super Bowl LIII.

I mean, this wasn't exactly 'The Greatest Show on Turf' but their offense wasn't far off. The Rams ranked 2nd in points accumulated per game with 32.9, 2nd in total yards per game with 421.1, 5th in passing yards per game with 281.7, and 3rd in rushing yards per game with 139.4.

You might be wondering "Why do you have the Rams winning 12 games in 2019, when they won 13 last season?" Simple. They are no longer the most complete team in their division. Before you freak out, they're still the BEST. Consequently, I have them winning their division for the third straight year, just maybe not as soundly as Rams fans would like.

I have concerns at safety-- specifically free safety, with the departure of Lamarcus Joyner. Being thin at linebacker isn't great, either. But make no mistake about it, Los Angeles still has one of the league's best front fours with superstar Aaron Donald leading the way. Look for the Rams to win 12 games in 2019, all while capturing their third straight division title.

#2 San Francisco 49ers: 11-5

I'm just going to say it, the 49ers are legit Super Bowl contenders. Why? Well, bringing in superstar linebackers like Kwon Alexander and Dee Ford certainly helps their case. Secondly, GM John Lynch has done a tremendous job surrounding Jimmy G with the appropriate offensive pieces needed to succeed.

Rookie wideout Deebo Samuel is a very smooth and polished route runner, who specifically excels with short and intermediate routes. He, alongside speedster Marquise Goodwin, second-year wideout Dante Pettis, and rising star tight end George Kittle, should help provide Garoppolo with a unique arsenal of weaponry this coming season.

Let's not forget about the offensive line, which is finally starting to gel nicely with players like Joe Staley and second-year right tackle Mike McGlinchey. The running backs are something special, too. Tevin Coleman brings a versatile ability to both run and catch the ball out of the backfield, while Jerick McKinnon is a threat to take it to the house with each touch.

That's just the offense. I haven't even mentioned their defense with players like Richard Sherman, who can still ball at a high level. DeForest Buckner, Soloman Thomas, Arik Armstead, and rookie sensation Nick Bosa can certainly become one of the league's most dominant defensive lines, too.

Aside from corner, the 49ers are easily the most complete team in their division. Are they ready to dethrone the Los Angeles Rams? Maybe not. But they're not far off. Look for the 49ers, behind a healthy Jimmy G and a vastly upgraded defense, to win 11 games this season and potentially be a legit Super Bowl contender.

#3 Seattle Seahawks: 10-6

Two words: Russell Wilson. At this point in his career, he may as well be a magician with the nickname Russell 'The Magician' Wilson, simply due to his ability to make something out of nothing. He's a superstar that is the closest quarterback to a 'Steve Young' I've ever seen. Yes, I'm serious.

For what it's worth, Seattle's success in the last seven years is owed, in large part, to Wilson's ability to manipulate defenses and improvise by using an assortment of maneuvers both inside and outside the pocket. Yes, Wilson had the Legion of Boom for a solid portion of his career, but that defense didn't put up 48 points in the 2013 Super Bowl.

The Seahawks do have several issues throughout their team starting with the offensive line that surrendered the third-most sacks in 2018 with 52. Oddly enough, despite having the third-worst offensive line in football last season, the Seahawks still managed to rank 1st in rushing yards per game with 160.0, and 7th in points per game with 26.8.

Wilson's 35:7 TD:INT ratio and 110.9 QBR was among the league's best in 2018. Remember, this is behind one of the worst offensive lines, which ultimately speaks to the playmaking ability of Wilson. Defensively, despite having what many would consider an average defense, Seattle as a unit ranked fairly high in several major categories. They ranked 11th in points allowed per game with 21.7 and 13th in rushing yards allowed per game with 113.2.

As far as personnel is concerned, the only position where Seattle has a clear-cut advantage over their division rivals is the quarterback. However, even if the Hawks don't have the most well-rounded team, I certainly expect them to be a playoff contender by winning 10 games in 2019.

#4 Arizona Cardinals: 6-10

Despite having some nice pieces on both sides of the ball, I'm just not sure if the Cardinals are ready to compete in a division that's as tough and loaded as the NFC West. Besides, they kind of seem to be running their team like a bad soap opera, with all the awkwardness surrounding Josh Rosen at one point, and the hiring of head coach Kliff Kingsbury. But that's beside the point, I guess.

There are just too many glaring holes that desperately need to be addressed. I mean, where do I even start? The offensive line is mediocre at best, the receivers--aside from Larry Fitzgerald, are average. I'm not even sure what Kyler Murray is going to turn out to be. Although, I believe his upside is very high.

Defensively, Patrick Peterson and Chandler Jones are the two premier players on that side of the ball. The signing of Terrell Suggs is decent, but will he be able to produce at a high level at age 36? Honestly, if they can figure out their quarterback situation, and not move from quarterback-to-quarterback after one season, then the Cardinals may have a chance to trend in the right direction.

The only reason I'm giving Arizona 6 wins in 2019, is solely based on Kyler Murray and what I believe he and Kliff Kingsbury could bring to a below-average Cardinals offense this season. Like it or not Cardinals fans, the fate of your franchise rests on the shoulders of Murray. Whether he can live up to the hype and be that force multiplier that experts and staff personnel expect him to be, remains to be seen.

Edited by Raunak J