The NFC West is gearing up for what promises to be another exciting season, featuring last year’s conference finalists, a franchise undergoing significant changes, and a determined rebuilding team packed with talent. In the recent episode of “Football 301,” Nate Tice and Matt Harmon from Yahoo Sports outlined their projected win totals for each team while diving into key roster dynamics and narratives that could impact the division this fall.
Here’s a summary of their projected win totals for each team:
Team | Tice’s win total | Harmon’s win total | O/U |
Seahawks | 12-5 | <11.5 | 10.5 |
Rams | 11-6 | 11-6 | 11.5 |
49ers | >10.5 | >10.5 | 10.5 |
Cardinals | 4-13 | 4-13 | 3.5 |
Seattle Seahawks
Win total predictions:
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The current Super Bowl champions are keeping nearly their entire core intact, including a formidable defensive line and an offense that’s consistently getting better. Both analysts see a strong possibility for the Seahawks to capture the NFC West title again. Tice pointed out the high potential of second-year tight end Elijah Arroyo, while Harmon believes the team has only begun to tap into the potential of Rashid Shahid.
“They have a shot at winning the division — then a substantial gap down to a Niners squad that I’m somewhat concerned about,” Harmon noted.
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Los Angeles Rams
Win total predictions:
The Rams narrowly missed the Super Bowl last season, but they’re heading into 2026 with an even stronger roster, despite the retirement of veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein. With head coach Sean McVay preparing the offense for yet another championship pursuit, both analysts regard L.A. as one of the NFL’s elite teams.
“These are the two top teams, not only in the NFC but in the entire NFL,” Tice remarked.
San Francisco 49ers
Win total predictions:
Matt Harmon: >10.5 (projected 8-9 wins)
After years of navigating challenges with a veteran roster, Tice and Harmon are beginning to see warning signs for the 49ers. Concerns about the offense due to a revamped receiving corps, the age of longtime left tackle Trent Williams, and a wobbly defense have them worried about the team’s potential. Harmon highlighted the acquisition of veteran wide receiver Mike Evans as potentially transformative for the offense — if he stays healthy, he could thrive in Kyle Shanahan’s scheme. However, if age and injuries become an issue, the receiving group might falter.
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“This franchise is at a crossroads,” Tice expressed. “I have more concerns about the 2026 49ers than I ever thought I would.”
Win total predictions:
Despite the low over/under, there’s a hint of optimism. The Cardinals are projected to have one of the weakest offenses, but both analysts are “Cardinals curious.” They see a possibility for synergy with a revamped skill set and new head coach Mike LaFleur calling the plays. If his McVay-inspired running and passing strategies can properly utilize talents like Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Trey McBride, and Jerimiyah Love, they might find success.
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“There’s too much talent for them to completely crash,” Tice said. “They might snag a few wins and surprise some young quarterbacks with their unique schemes.”
For further NFL insights, listen to “Football 301” on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.
Fan Take: This news is pivotal for NFL fans as it highlights the competitive landscape of the NFC West, affecting playoff predictions and team strategies. The outcomes of these teams can significantly influence not just the league standings but also the dynamics of fan engagement and local support.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
