(Photo: Around The Block)
1. Seattle Seahawks (2025 Record: 14-3)
What a year it was for them. As I mentioned several times throughout 2025, there were teams that got more attention than they did, such as the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears. However, I loved their mindset—it was essentially, “If you don’t mention us, we’ll make you mention us.” And that’s exactly what they did. They won 14 games, clinched the NFC West for the first time since 2020, and locked down the top seed in the NFC playoff picture for the first time since the 2014 season. They did it with offense, defense, and special teams, and went on to win their second Super Bowl in franchise history by defeating the Patriots in February. This year, they will be a tough out once again, but I want to see how they perform without Kenneth Walker III, who was just as important to their offense as Jaxon Smith-Njigba. I don’t see this defense missing a beat under Mike Macdonald. To get anywhere this year, you’ll have to go through the Seattle Seahawks.
2. Los Angeles Rams (2025 Record: 12-5)
At one point, I was calling them the best team not just in the NFC, but in all of football. I’ve watched Matthew Stafford for many years, and he was at the top of his game in 2025, throwing 46 touchdown passes and winning league MVP for the first time in his career. The Rams lost their grip on the division title but still made the playoffs as the five seed. They won their first two playoff games before falling short to the eventual champion Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game. As always, the Rams were active this offseason, acquiring Jaylen Watson, Trent McDuffie, and winning the Myles Garrett sweepstakes, landing the reigning Defensive Player of the Year from the Browns. When you’re in win-now mode, you do whatever it takes to stay there, and now they have the best defensive player in the league—still in his prime. The Rams will be must-see television in 2026, and of course, the Super Bowl is at SoFi Stadium this year.
3. San Francisco 49ers (2025 Record: 12-5)
2025 was the best coaching job I’ve ever seen from Kyle Shanahan. I’ve always said that when this team is healthy, they are the toughest out in the NFC because of how dominant they can be. Brock Purdy missed a few weeks, Nick Bosa tore his ACL, and Fred Warner suffered an ankle injury that ended his season. The biggest factor in the 49ers’ success last year was a healthy Christian McCaffrey, who I believe is the best running back in the league when healthy. He returned to form and was named Comeback Player of the Year. They clinched a playoff spot and even beat the defending champion Eagles in Philadelphia before losing to the Seahawks in the divisional round. This offseason, they added Mike Evans, the former Buccaneer, and I’m anxious to see what this offense will look like with him in the mix. A healthy Nick Bosa and Fred Warner will return this defense to elite form. If this team can stay healthy, they will be dangerous again.
4. Arizona Cardinals (2025 Record: 3-14)
They are unfortunately in the midst of a rebuild, and when that happens, losing seasons tend to follow. The Cardinals parted ways with Jonathan Gannon as head coach and hired former Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur as their next head coach. I liked their draft this spring, selecting Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame and later adding Carson Beck out of Miami. A new head coach and a young, inexperienced roster mean more downs than ups. Last season, the Cardinals won three games, and I think they’ll increase that total—but not by much.
2026 Predictions
- Rams (13–4)
- Seahawks (12–5)
- 49ers (10–7)
- Cardinals (4–13)
This was the best division in the NFL a year ago, with three teams from the West making the playoffs (Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers). Heading into the offseason, I thought Seattle was in great position to repeat. But then they moved on from Kenneth Walker III, and months later, the Rams acquired Myles Garrett. It’s hard not to lean toward Los Angeles to win the division. Matthew Stafford is back with Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Kyren Williams—who I think is the X-factor if they want to make a deep run. I can’t wait to watch this defense with Myles Garrett and see how his presence elevates everyone around him. This division should be a dogfight once again.
