NFC West Predictions

By Andy Benoit - www.NFLTouchdown.com

1. Seattle Seahawks

Owners of the division’s best combination of talent and experience. Having a loaded defense doesn’t hurt either.

2. Arizona Cardinals

On the rise? Perhaps. But questions at quarterback and a stagnant rushing attack present issues.

3. St. Louis Rams

Great in spots but outright porous in others. Can Linehan survive another year?

4. San Francisco 49ers

Only three significant weakness, but all of them damning: quarterback, offensive line, coaching staff.

Best Offseason Move

The Seattle Seahawks saying goodbye to Shaun Alexander.

Worst Offseason Move

The 49ers guaranteeing $20 million to solid but not spectacular defensive end Justin Smith, a 4-3 prototype who doesn’t fit their scheme.

Biggest Question

What impact will the fact that this is Mike Holmgren’s last season have on the Seahawks?

Quick Hits

Team Bests

Passing Game 1 Cardinals, 2 Rams, 3 Seahawks, 4 Niners

Running Game 1 Rams, 2 Niners, 3 Seahawks, 4 Cardinals

Offensive Line 1 Seahawks, 2 Cardinals, 3 Rams, 4 Niners

Pass Rush 1 Seahawks, 2 Cardinals, 3 Rams, 4 Niners

Run Defense 1 Seahawks, 2 Niners, 3 Cardinals, 4 Rams

Pass Defense 1 Seahawks, 2 Niners, 3 Rams, 4 Cardinals

Special Teams 1 Niners, 2 Rams, 3 Cardinals, 4 Seahawks

Coaching Staff 1 Seahawks, 2 Cardinals, 3 Rams, 4 Niners

Front Office 1 Seahawks, 2 Cardinals, 3 Niners, 4 Rams

Home Field Advantage 1 Seahawks, 2 Rams, 3 Cardinals, 4 Niners

Player Bests

Pure Athlete Julian Peterson, Seahawks

Big Play Threat Patrick Willis, 49ers

Gets Most out of Talent Frank Gore, 49ers

Gets Least out of Talent Matt Leinart, Cardinals

Breakout Prospects Tye Hill, Rams

Manny Lawson, 49ers

Levi Brown, Cardinals

Breakdown Prospects Corey Chavous, Rams

Jonas Jennings, 49ers

Leonard Little, Rams

Best Leader Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks

Unsung Hero Michael Lewis, 49ers

Impact Rookie Chris Long, Rams

ALL-NFC WEST TEAM

Offense

QB Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks

RB Steven Jackson, Rams

FB Leonard Weaver, Seahawks

WR Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals

WR Anquan Boldin, Cardinals

TE Vernon Davis, 49ers

LT Walter Jones, Seahawks

LG Jacob Bell, Rams

C Chris Spencer, Seahawks

RG Deuce Lutui, Cardinals

RT Levi Brown, Cardinals

Defense

DE Patrick Kerney, Seahawks

DT Darnell Dockett, Cardinals

DT Adam Carriker, Rams

DE Darryl Tapp, Seahawks

OLB Julian Peterson, Seahawks

ILB Patrick Willis, 49ers

ILB Lofa Tatupu, Seahawks

OLB Karlos Dansby, Cardinals

CB Marcus Trufant, Seahawks

FS Oshiomogho Atogwe, Rams

SS Adrian Wilson, Cardinals

CB Tye Hill, Rams

Specials

K Josh Brown, Rams

P Andy Lee, 49ers

RS Dante Hall, Rams

ST Aaron Francisco, 49ers