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2023 NFL Predictions: Every Divisional Winner for the 2023 Season

By Brendan Danaher

NFL Picks; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) celebrates his touchdown with teammates in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
NFL Picks; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) celebrates his touchdown with teammates in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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2023 NFL offseason
2023 NFL offseason; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) celebrates with fans following a 23-6 victory against the New York Jets at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

NFC West winner: Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks were supposed to be jettisoned into several years of mediocrity after trading away Russell Wilson and losing the core of their once-famous defensive unit. Everyone was surprised in 2022 — myself included — when the Seahawks beat the Denver Broncos in Week 1 with Geno Smith at the helm.

The Seahawks ended up winning eight more games and finished 9-8 in the NFC West, behind the San Francisco 49ers who notched an impressive 13-4 campaign. The Seahawks went 4-2 in the division behind the aforementioned 49ers who, similar to the Chiefs, went undefeated in the division.

The reason the Seahawks take the edge in 2023 is not only because Geno Smith has found a resurgence in Seattle, or because the Seahawks had another excellent draft getting two “blue chip” starters (Witherspoon, Smith-Njigba) on Day 1, but because the San Francisco 49ers are a huge question mark yet again. The 49ers defense, absent their coordinator Demeco Ryans, will still be competitive but we have no clue who is leading the offense at the quarterback position.

Whether it’s Sam Darnold, Trey Lance, or Brock Purdy it’s very possible the Seahawks will still be the team to beat in the NFC West. Head coach Pete Carroll may be nearing his last season but he will not be going down without a fight. I’m taking the 12s in the NFC West.

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