The NFC West is going to be the most competitive it has been in years. With three out of the four teams set to make a run for the division crown. We are going to break down MVPs and Prospects for each squad for the NFC West.
Seattle Seahawks
With the addition of Jamal Adams, plus D.K Metcalf entering his second year, Seattle will make some noise this season. Plus, you cannot forget about Houdini himself, Russell Wilson, who carries the Seahawks to the playoffs year after year. I see the Seahawks having a successful regular season campaign and making it into the playoffs.
Record Prediction: 11-5
MVP: Russell Wilson (QB)
The choice for team MVP is an obvious one, Wilson, whom last season helped propel Seattle to an 11-5 record and a trip to the playoffs. Wilson, whom the previous year threw for over 4000 yards, 31 touchdowns and threw only five interceptions. He will have to be just as good as last season, if not better if they want a Superbowl trip this year. My prediction is that he throws for 3500 yards, 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Prospect: D.K Metcalf (WR)
D.K Metcalf, who is entering his second year into the league, is bound to make some noise. Last year, the rookie sensation was selected 64th overall with the last pick in the second round; he had a stellar first year. Metcalf racked up 900 yards receiving and seven touchdowns. I predict him having a breakout season, as he will finish with 1100+ receiving yards and ten touchdowns.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals were very active during the offseason this year, with the addition of Deandre Hopkins. Plus, Kyler Murray entering his second year, is set to have a breakout season in Arizona, now that he has another big target to throw to. With this dynamic duo, only a few teams will be stopping them. I see the Cardinals finishing the season third in the division above the Los Angeles Rams, slipping into the wild card spot.
Record Prediction 9-7
MVP: Larry Fitzgerald (WR)
Despite being 37 and entering his 16th season, Larry Fitzgerald is whom I see as a team MVP for the Cardinals. Here is why he is a leader to the younger players despite not putting up big numbers the past few seasons. Fitzgerald has stayed with the same franchise for 16 years; he could have left and played elsewhere. He decided to stay, so I see him as the MVP for the Cardinals. Plus, he racked up 800 receiving yards and four touchdowns for a team that was scrapping for wins week after week, and to do it at the age of 37.
Prospect: Isiah Simmons (LB)
The Arizona Cardinals made the right choice by picking up Isiah Simmons with the 8th overall pick. Simmons, who tore it up last year in the SEC for the Clemson Tigers, racking up 67 solo tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. I expect him to make an immediate impact on the Cardinals depleted linebacker core. Do not be surprised if he racks up ten sacks, 45 solo tackles, and 12.5 tackles for loss.
San Francisco 49ers
For San Francisco, they are still the same team that went to the Superbowl last year; Jimmy Garapolo is approving each year, so watch out for the 49ers. Plus, George Kittle is still as dominant as last year, plus the Deebo Samuel looks like an exciting player that is going to do some damage this season. I expect the 49ers to be at the top of the NFC West.
Prediction Record: 12-4
MVP: Jimmy Garapolo (QB)
If you talked about one player who stepped up big last year, Jimmy Garappolo finished the season with a 13-3 QB record, 3978 passing yards, twenty-seven touchdown passes, and thirteen interceptions. After being under the wing of Tom Brady for several seasons, Garappolo has found a home here in San Fransico. He has paved his path to greatness and is living it every day.
Prospect: Javon Kinlaw (DT)
Javon Kinlaw is an excellent addition to an already dominant defensive front. Javon Kinlaw will be the replacement for Deforest Buckner, and he will make an immediate impact. Kinlaw's last season at South Carolina, he did not have a super dominant season but still impressed many teams as he finished with 15 solo tackles, six tackles for loss, and six total sacks on the year. I see him having similar numbers this year as a rookie for the 49ers.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams will be one of the teams with the most question marks surrounding it. Jared Goff will be one of those question marks as well as the running back position. As with the loss of Todd Gurley, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons. The Rams desperately need a running back to step up this season; their best option is Malcolm Brown. Brown will need to step up as well as Jared Goff if the Ram's want a chance at the division title; I do not think it is feasible based on their roster.
Record Prediction 5-11
MVP: Jared Goff (QB)
Although he has several question marks surrounding him to start this season, whether he will return to his former glory. Goff last season, despite throwing for 4,638 yards, he had 22 touchdowns with a career-high 16 interceptions. Goff has shown that he can be an elite quarterback in this league. I believe that with the right coaching and the right talent, Goff can return to his dominant form. I predict that he will have another down year with 4000 yards passing 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Prospect: Cam Akers (RB)
Cam Akers looks like a promising young running back of the future for the Los Angeles Rams. Akers, who spent the last three seasons playing for Florida State, racked up 27 rushing touchdowns and 2,875 yards rushing. 14 of those 27 touchdowns were in his last year at Florida State. I feel that he will make an immediate impact. However, he will not be enough for the Rams to get over the hump. I predict that Akers will rush for 750 yards and have only seven rushing touchdowns on the year.