The NFL season has finally arrived, and we couldn’t be happier about it. We are still in the middle of one of the hottest summers we have ever had. The focus is on the NFC West and how this division will shape up. The San Francisco 49ers are looking to get back to the NFC Championship and even make a Super Bowl run. Seattle is hoping to build on the great season from a year ago which resulted in a playoff appearance. The Los Angeles Rams won the Super Bowl a couple years, and it was followed by a disappointing season. Arizona will have a new coaching staff, but it is uncertain when or if Kyler Murray will return from his ACL injury. Which NFC West team will take the division in 2023?

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals had a bad season a year ago. Kyler Murray went down with an ACL injury and Coach Kliff Kingsbury was fired. Arizona finished 4-13 and at the bottom of the NFC West. They hired Jonathan Gannon to replace Kingsbury. Gannon was the defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles last season. Gannon brought Kyzir White from Philly to help with the defense and linebacking core. The Cardinals improved their offensive line through free agency and the NFL draft. Everything is pretty much dependent on the recovery process of Kyler Murray. They released their best offensive weapon in D’Andre Hopkins. It feels like a rebuilding year for the Cardinals, and they should be picking near the top of the NFL Draft this coming year.

Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams were Super Bowl champions a couple years ago. Last year, was nothing short of a disaster as everything went wrong for the Rams. After teasing retirement, future Hall-of-Famer Aaron Donald restructured his contract. Matthew Stafford had an injury riddled season also restructured his contract. The Rams are hoping Cooper Kupp returns to the form that made him a record setting receiver. Kupp is dealing with a hamstring injury that could keep him out for a while. The Rams traded Jalen Ramsey so this will be a team that could struggle again this season. Sea McVay is still one of the more innovative and young coaches in the league. The Rams could be in for another long season.

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers were one game away from the Super Bowl last season. Brock Purdy was hurt early in the NFC title game and the Eagles blew out the 49ers as a result. This season, it seems like the 49ers have an ongoing quarterback battle in camp. Brock Purdy, Sam Darnold and Trey Lance are all vying for the starting job for this Niners team. San Francisco is coming into this season angry, and they feel like they’re the best team in the NFC. Nick Bosa isn’t in camp as he’s seeking a new contract. San Francisco signed Javon Hargrove from the Eagles to a massive contract to sure up an already dominant defensive line. Don’t be surprised if the 49ers win the division and be in the NFC title game again this season.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks was thought to be in rebuild last season. They surprised everyone by making a playoff run and even led the division for most of the year. Geno Smith had an amazing season and they rewarded him with a contract extension. Seattle drafted Jaxon Smith-Njigba out of Ohio State to help the receiving core. You pair Jaxon Smith-Njigba with D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, this could be a great receiving core. Seattle brought back Bobby Wagner to ensure the defense.  If Devon Witherspoon turns out to be a great cornerback, the back end of the defense could be special. Seattle is building their defense reminiscing of the Legon of Boom days. The Seahawks should finish second in the division and be in playoff contention again.

My 2023 NFC West Standings

1. San Francisco 49ers
2. Seattle Seahawks
3. Los Angeles Rams
4. Arizona Cardinals