The first week of NFL preseason is in the books and opening weekend (September 7th) is right around the corner. With a few key injuries and suspensions already making headlines, now is the time to start digging deeper into expectations for each team. Today we will take a look at the NFC West.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Last season: 10-5-1
BetOnline O/U wins: 10.5
A typical Seahawks’ off season filled with drama has Seattle right where they want to be. Playing with a chip on their shoulder, ready to prove their doubters wrong. A playoff team last season, many still felt they underperformed although the team struggled with key injuries all year. If Seattle can avoid the injury bug, the division, and a deep playoff run, could be in the cards.
Russell Wilson returns with a rebuilt offensive line and a healthy Tyler Lockett. It’s often ugly, but the offense should be able to control the clock and surprise a defense with an occasional big play. With Earl Thomas healthy and Richard Sherman likely to be playing with a huge chip on his shoulder, the defense should get back to their Legion of Boom ways.
Given the fact Seattle gets 4 games against the Rams and 49ers, I think jumping on the over 10.5 wins is a solid play.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Last season: 7-8-1
BetOnline O/U wins: 8.5
Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald both returned after considering retirement but the key piece coming back is David Johnson. Arguably the league’s most dynamic running back, Johnson is the centerpiece of the Cardinals offensive attack.
While the defense should continue to be among the best in the league, special teams was a major problem last season and played a big role in why they didn’t make the playoffs. I don’t think that will happen again and, while they might not have enough to jump Seattle, I do think they are in the playoff hunt.
In what is probably Palmer’s and Fitzgerald’s last season, I could see a big effort to get those guys in the playoffs. Taking the over 8.5 wins is a strong play assuming Palmer can stay healthy.
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Last season: 4-12
BetOnline O/U wins: 5.5
With a new head coach and defensive coordinator, the Rams are a bit of an unknown heading into the season. The big question mark is if new head coach Sean McVay can get Jared Goff to make a huge leap in his 2nd year as starting quarterback.
Goff was not good as a rookie and will need to step up big time in order for the Rams to have any success. In addition to Goff, Todd Gurley needs to show it wasn’t a fluke when he won Rookie of the Year two seasons ago. Goff’s ineffectiveness and a poor offensive line played a part in Gurley’s poor sophomore campaign but the Rams will need more from him.
On the defensive side of the ball, the key will be figuring out Aaron Donald’s contract situation and getting him back with the team as soon as possible. While they played well last season, the Rams defense was on the field too much and many times with poor field position because of a Goff turnover.
With Jared Goff as the QB, there are just too many question marks to invest in the Rams season wins total.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Last season: 2-14
BetOnline O/U wins: 5
With a new coach and new GM, the 2017 season is all about building a foundation for the 49ers. Over half of the 90 man roster has been turned over from last season and it will take some time for everyone to gel.
On defense, San Francisco finished dead last in opponents’ yardage and scoring last season. While a young front seven has potential, the defense will continue to be a problem this year. But with better luck with injuries and an improved scheme, it should improve.
Offensively, Brian Hoyer will take over as quarterback and, while he is far from a star, he is competent when healthy and should make the 49ers more competitive than expected. With a last place schedule that includes 5 home games in the 2nd half of the season, I think taking the over 5 wins has value.
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