2012 NFL Predictions: NFC West Division Vegas Odds, Free Picks and Projections: Two years ago, the NFC West was the laughing stock of the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks taking the division crown with a 7-9 record. Last year, the San Francisco 49ers went 13-3 and advanced all the way to the NFC title game. The 49ers should have a leg up on the rest of the division, but nothing is a given. After all, a lot changed in just one offseason. However, it remains to be seen whether or not a new team can come out of nowhere, post a gaudy win total and win the division remains to be seen. With that in mind, here is a look at how I see the NFC West stacking up for the 2012 season.
2012 NFL Predictions: NFC West Division Vegas Odds, Picks and Projections
1. San Francisco 49ers (Prediction: 12-4)
San Francisco has assembled a loaded defensive unit led by stars like Patrick Willis, Justin Smith and Dashon Goldson. After giving up the fewest rushing yards and the second fewest points in the NFL last season, there is no reason to think that the 49ers’ defense won’t be able to carry this team to a division title again in 2012. The key for this group getting even further will be the play of the offense. Running back Frank Gore has to stay healthy, and Alex Smith has to continue to build on his best season as a pro. San Francisco brought in receivers Mario Manningham and Randy Moss to add some explosiveness to the offense, but even if the new additions come up empty, the 49ers are still the class of the NFC West.
2. Seattle Seahawks (Prediction: 7-9)
While Pete Carroll is still trying to find a quarterback, he has managed to assemble a strong power running game and equally strong defensive front. Running back Marshawn Lynch is the centerpiece of the offense, and his physical running style allows Seattle to wear down opposing defenses and control the clock. However, a lack of consistency from the passing game limits what the Seahawks are able to accomplish on offense. Matt Flynn was paid a ton of money in free agency to be the new QB, but he has yet to win the job from incumbent Tarvaris Jackson or rookie Russell Wilson. Until there is stability under center, this is a .500 team at best.
3. St. Louis Rams (Prediction: 7-9)
The addition of Jeff Fisher alone is worth a few wins, and although the coach can wear on players over time, his attitude and intensity is just what the doctor ordered for a young St. Louis bunch. Adding cornerback Cortland Finnegan in free agency and drafting Michael Brockers should bolster a young defense that already features plenty of other young athletes like Chris Long and Robert Quinn. Running back Steven Jackson remains the centerpiece of the offense, and Fisher’s system should play to this team’s strength and benefit young QB Sam Bradford. The Rams will pound away with Jackson to set up Bradford and the passing game. St. Louis isn’t ready to win the division, but they should take a step forward this season.
4. Arizona Cardinals (Prediction: 5-11)
It is unfortunate that Arizona is basically wasting the incredible talent of Larry Fitzgerald. Sure, the Cardinals drafted receiver Michael Floyd to stop defenses from smothering Fitzgerald, but the real problem is the lack of consistency under center. Kevin Kolb and John Skelton are in a competition for the starting gig, but neither has shown they can be a franchise-type player. A porous offensive line doesn’t help matters either. It is amazing that Fitzgerald puts up the type of numbers he does despite the situation, but while he should finish with around 1,400 laps and 10 scores, the Cardinals aren’t going to be winning a lot of games.
2012 NFC West Division Odds
9071 ARZ Cardinals +700
9072 SF 49ers -300
9073 SEA Seahawks +400
9074 STL Rams +1000
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