Early NFL Over/Under win total predictions for the 2021 season
Early NFL Over/Under Win Total Predictions: NFC West
Arizona Cardinals, 8.0 wins: Over
Arizona was the team I probably struggled with the most in terms of predicting their Over/Under. 8.0 seems like a low number for a team with so much talent, especially after a loud offseason in which they signed J.J. Watt, A.J. Green and others. Yet, Kliff Kingsbury’s ability to maximize the potential of Kyler Murray should be in question, as should the defense. I had the Cardinals finishing 8-9 but leaned to the over simply because of the talent they have. This is definitely a stay-away in the end for me, however.
Los Angeles Rams, 10.5 wins: Over
Because so much has happened this offseason, it feels like we sometimes forget that a perennial playoff contender in the Rams upgraded from Jared Goff to Matthew Stafford at quarterback. This shouldn’t be understated as Stafford could likely revitalize a top-tier offense in LA.
The Rams are going to be substantially better with their new quarterback and we know that Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey can make enough plays to get by on defense. This was one of the quickest and easiest overs to hit on the board.
San Francisco 49ers, 10.5 wins: Over
Questions will be abound this season with the 49ers about when they should hand the offense to rookie Trey Lance from Jimmy Garoppolo. But what people seem to forget is that Jimmy G, when the rest of the roster is healthy, took this team to a Super Bowl just a couple of years ago.
Now that Nick Bosa and many other key players will be back on the field and with Kyle Shanahan still in control of the offense, I have no doubt that San Francisco is going to be a contender once again.
Seattle Seahawks, 9.5 wins: Under
Yes, I’m doubting Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks. No, that is not a comfortable feeling. But it just seems like the way things are heading with this team.
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We know how good Wilson is and that D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are stars. But the offensive line is still a problem and it’s not even the worst one. This defense could be a catastrophe in 2021 with no pass rush and a questionable cornerback room. In a tough NFC West, 9-8 feels much more likely than 10-7.