NFC WEST PREVIEW
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (6-10)
Strengths: The front seven of the defense is one of the stoutest in the league with the return of 2019 Defensive Rookie of the Year Nick Bosa at edge rusher after missing most of last season with a knee injury, and All-Pro middle linebacker Fred Warner. There is plenty of depth up front with Dee Ford looking healthy after missing last season with a back injury, Arik Armstead, D.J. Jones, Ebukam and Dre Greenlaw.
Weaknesses: The Niners don’t have much proven depth at cornerback, which could be a big concern if Jason Verrett can’t stay healthy. Verrett has played more than six games just twice in seven NFL seasons but was in top form last season. Emmanuel Moseley will start on the other side with K’Waun Williams back in the slot. There isn’t much behind those three with journeyman Dontae Johnson and rookies Lenoir and Thomas next in line.
Tipico Sportsbook Says: Win Super Bowl: 12-1. Over/under wins: 10.5.
ARIZONA CARDINALS (8-8)
Strengths: The Cardinals have one of the league’s up-and-coming quarterbacks in Kyler Murray. The third-year starter has mostly delivered since being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft. Murray’s partnership with receiver DeAndre Hopkins was one of the NFL’s most productive last season. Arizona could have one of the league’s best pass rush duos with newly acquired J.J. Watt and veteran holdover Chandler Jones. Safety Budda Baker has evolved into one of the league’s best at that position.
Weaknesses: The running game lost RB Kenyan Drake in free agency. Chase Edmonds and James Conner are the two main options in the backfield, while Murray’s ability to run is also a big part of the offense. When Murray is limited to being a pocket passer, Arizona’s offense can struggle.
Tipico Sportsbook Says: Win Super Bowl: 40-1. Over/under wins: 8.5.
LOS ANGELES RAMS (11-7)
Strengths: The NFL’s No. 1 defense in 2020 lost four starters, but All-Pros Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey return with a revamped supporting cast under defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. QB Matthew Stafford’s arrival is expected to be the boost needed by the offense, which had been fairly stagnant for a consistently winning team for the past 21⁄ years,
2 starting even before their Super Bowl appearance. Stafford has an enviable group of receivers with the additions of DeSean Jackson and Tutu Atwell, and the veteran passer has the motivation of knowing the next two seasons could define his career.
Weaknesses: The offensive line remains suspect after two up-and-down years and no external improvements in the offseason. Stafford’s talent won’t shine as brightly if he must fear for his safety on every snap.
Tipico Sportsbook Says: Win Super Bowl: 12-1. Over/under wins: 10.5.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (12-5)
Strengths: Seattle’s starting lineup could rival anyone in the league. Led by Russell Wilson, Chris Carson and DK Metcalf, the offense under new coordinator Shane Waldron has the potential to build on the explosive flashes it showed a year ago. Defensively, the Seahawks still have one of the top linebackers in the game with Bobby Wagner, along with second-year LB Jordyn Brooks and a deep line rotation. Topping it off, safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs may be the best tandem at the position in the NFL. Weaknesses: Aside from the defensive line, depth appears a major concern. This does not seem to be a Seattle roster with starters siting on the bench. Cornerback is unsettled, with a combination of injuries and inconsistent play leaving the starters uncertain. The wide receiver group is unproven beyond Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
Tipico Sportsbook Says: Win Super Bowl: 20-1. Over/under wins: 9.5.