The NFL 2025 preseason will kick off with the Hall of Fame game between the Lions and Chargers, marking the start of the new football season on TV for fans to eagerly anticipate. Focusing on the NFC West, the 49ers are favored at +150 with an expected 10.5 wins, buoyed by a relatively easy schedule and better-than-expected player health after a tough 2024 season. However, uncertainties loom about Brock Purdy’s ability to lead a less talented team without his rookie contract advantage, with key players like Deebo Samuel leading offensively while Brandon Aiyuk is expected to start on the PUP list. Veterans like Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, and George Kittle, all prone to injuries, add to the concerns as the defense lost important free agents Dore Greenlow, Taranor Fuwhanga, and Jabon Hargrave, making the 49ers a strong contender but perhaps not worth betting on at +150 odds.
The Rams sit at +195 with a 9.5-win projection, supported by their recent playoff performance against the Eagles, but questions about aging quarterback Matthew Stafford and a tough schedule temper enthusiasm. The Seahawks have revamped their roster, trading away key players like Geno Smith and DK Metcalf and bringing in Sam Darnold, who faces challenges behind a weak offensive line, leading to skepticism over their +475 odds and 8.5-win forecast.
My top pick is the Arizona Cardinals at +475, backed by QB Kyler Murray and a strong offense ranked seventh in yards per play last year. The Cardinals strengthened their defense significantly through the draft and key additions like Josh Sweat, formerly of the Eagles, and benefit from a favorable early schedule including matchups with the Saints, Panthers, Titans, Colts, and Seahawks. With the NFC West wide open after a competitive last season, the Cardinals’ improvements make them a compelling choice to win the division.
Pick: Arizona Cardinals (+475) to win the NFC West.
Fan Take: This analysis highlights how player health, roster changes, and schedule strength will heavily influence the NFC West race in 2025, making it a must-watch division for NFL fans. The Cardinals’ bold upgrades and favorable odds add intrigue and excitement, signaling a potential shift in the competitive balance that could redefine the division’s hierarchy.
