2019 NFL season: Final win-loss predictions before Week 1
NFC West
- Los Angeles Rams: 11-5
- San Francisco 49ers: 10-6
- Seattle Seahawks: 9-7
- Arizona Cardinals: 3-13
Through the offseason, running back Todd Gurley‘s knee has sparked widespread discussion. The Los Angeles Rams selected running back Darrell Henderson in the third round of this year’s draft. He could cut into the starter’s touches, but we won’t know until the offense takes the field. For now, head coach Sean McVay still makes the calls for one of the top offensive units in the league.
When healthy, cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib can lock down wide receivers on the perimeter. The Rams added savvy veteran safety Eric Weddle to the secondary to pair with John Johnson, who’s recorded an impressive 22 pass breakups and five interceptions in two seasons. Of course, defensive tackle Aaron Donald will wreak havoc on the interior, which solidifies a decent defensive group.
The San Francisco 49ers pose the toughest challenge to the Rams for two reasons. Head coach Kyle Shanahan can match offensive wits with McVay. Secondly, general manager John Lynch selected defensive end Nick Bosa and acquired pass-rusher Dee Ford via trade with the Chiefs; both can pressure the pocket alongside defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
Aside from cornerback Richard Sherman, the 49ers secondary will continue to experience growing pains, which will cost this team a few games.
The Seattle Seahawks also have a pair of pass-rushers who can put Rams quarterback Jared Goff in uncomfortable spots. Under head coach Pete Carroll, Ezekiel Ansah and Clowney will look like a two-man wrecking crew on the ends.
Like last year, the Seahawks may rely on the ground attack to move the ball. Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny should finish the season with a lot of tread on their legs. However, quarterback Russell Wilson must find a reliable target other than wideout Tyler Locket in a passing league. Seattle will feel the loss of Doug Baldwin.
Next. NFL Record Predictions: Over/under win total picks for 2019. dark
The Arizona Cardinals could bring excitement to the league with head coach Kliff Kingsbury‘s Air Raid offense and No. 1 overall pick quarterback Kyler Murray, but don’t expect this squad to win many games.
The Cardinals will have a rookie signal-caller and a head coach attempting to make the jump from the collegiate level to the pros. At Texas Tech, Kingsbury went 35-40 in six terms. He’s going to see stiffer competition on the pro level, which likely means a rough first year in the NFL.