Predicting NFC West division race sees Rams edge out a predictable foe

The Los Angeles Rams won't have Aaron Donald for their Week 1 tilt against the 49ers, which is somewhat disappointing. It won't matter in the win-loss column as the Rams handle business at 'home' in Melbourne, Australia. 

We've already predicted their record. What of the rest of the season and the rest of the NFC West? The Rams may be Super Bowl favorites, but the Seahawks are the reigning champions and ousted LA in the conference title game. They still have that fantastic defense. 

The 49ers will be challenged as age and injuries catch up to them, but this is still a tough squad led by head coach Kyle Shanahan and his playcalling wizardry. 

And then there's the Cardinals. It'll be a long season in the Arizona desert.

Predicting NFC West records as Seahawks, Rams kick off season schedule 

Los Angeles Rams, 14-3

First game: September 10 vs 49ers. Here are score predictions for every game on LA's schedule.

The short version: the hype is real. It all starts Thursday in Melbourne against San Francisco in the NFL's first-ever dance Down Under. 

Seattle Seahawks, 13-4

First game: September 9 vs. New England Patriots. Score prediction: Seahawks 24, Patriots 20

Predicted season series vs. Rams: 1-1

Just like last season, only this time in a direct head-to-head, the division crown comes down to Week 18, when Seattle travels to LA. After the Seabirds took the first meeting two weeks before, the Rams hold them off at home. Mike McDonald's defense leads the way to another dominant season, while receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba carries the offensive load. 

San Francisco 49ers, 8-9

First game: September 10 vs Los Angeles Rams. Score prediction: Rams 24, 49ers 17

Predicted season series vs Rams: 1-1

Rivalry aside, it's a real shame how injuries have hindered the elite talent on this roster in seasons past. Seahawks Super Bowl or not, what Shanahan accomplished last season, finagling a Mac Jones-led team and crippled defense into the Division Round, might have the most impressive head-coaching performance in the division.

Unfortunately, injuries have already struck in 2026. Receiver Ricky Pearsall is done for the year. Offseason addition Christian Kirk will begin the year on injured reserve. WR1 Mike Evans battled his own ailments during the summer. Defensive tackle Alfred Collins suffered a season-ending knee injury in Tuesday's practice. Tight end George Kittle and defensive end Nick Bosa are both banged up. 

The core of the 2023 NFC champs is another year older. Quarterback Brock Purdy isn't old but missed half of last season. This may be the beginning of the end for this version of the roster.

Arizona Cardinals, 4-13

First game: September 13 vs Los Angeles Chargers. Score prediction: Chargers 24, Cardinals 14

Predicted season series vs Rams: 0-2

Unfortunately for Arizona linebacker Mack Wilson, dealing with the Cardinals shouldn't be difficult for most of the league. There's not much to say here. The organization is picking up the pieces of the failed Kyler Murray era after releasing the former franchise quarterback this offseason.

With a tough schedule, the Cards could realistically start the season 0-11 en route to a more forgiving home stretch.

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