Longest Shot On The Board
Every team in the National Football Conference’s West Division has won this title at least once in the last six seasons.
The Seahawks have been the king of this division this past decade, winning eight of the last 14 seasons since 2004.
The Rams last won the NFC West in 2003, which was the longest drought of any team in the division, but that was before they captured the title in 2017. They are the odds-on favorites (-110) to repeat as champs (odds provided by TopBet).
The Arizona Cardinals are the longest shot of any team in the league to capture the division crown at +1500 (or 15-1). Even the AFC’s Cleveland Browns, who have won just one game in two years, are set at 10-1.
The Cardinals, who were 8-8 last season, finished third in the division and missed the postseason for the second straight year. They are +1500 (or 15-1 odds) to win the division this year. That means a winning $100 money line wager on the Cards will return a $1500 profit plus the $100 bet for a total return of $1600.
The Rams, who were 11-5 last season, finished first in the division and reached the postseason for the first time in 13 years. They are -110 (10-11) to win the division this year. That means a bettor must wager $110 to win a $100 profit on the Rams for a total return of $210.
The 49ers, who were 6-10 last season, finished fourth and last in the division for the third straight season. They are +215 (2.15-1) to win the division this year. That means a winning $100 wager on the Niners will return a $215 profit plus the $100 bet for a total return of $315.
The Seahawks, who were 9-7 last season, finished second in the division and missed the playoffs for the first time in six seasons. They are +350 (7-2) to win the division this year. That means a winning $100 wager on the ‘Hawks will return a $350 profit plus the $100 bet for a total return of $450.
Arizona (Last title: 2015)
The Cardinals are definitely in a transition stage. Management is banking on a first-time coach and a new quarterback to get the team back into the playoffs for the third time in eight years.
Head coach Steve Wilks had said Sam Bradford is his starter, but the Cardinals have what many believe was one of the steals in the draft waiting in the wings. Arizona nabbed UCLA star Josh Rosen with the 10th overall pick. This will be his team if the veteran Bradford struggles.
The Cardinals play three of their first four games at home to start the season. They hit the national stage in prime time only once in Week 7.
Los Angeles Rams (Last title: 2017)
After 13 consecutive losing seasons, the Rams finally turned things around, led by first-year head coach Sean McVay, quarterback Jared Goff, running back Todd Gurley and a solid defense.
The rich got richer in this division as L.A. made improvements on the defensive line, secondary and wide receiver position. The Rams are building a monster, and their early wild-card exit last year will only help them in this campaign.
The Rams play three of their first four games at home to start the season, including the final game of Week 1 in prime time. They also have four other games on the national stage.
San Francisco (Last title: 2012)
This is Kyle Shanahan’s second year as head coach of the 49ers, but make no mistake, this is quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo’s team.
The Niners went 5-0 with Jimmy G to end last season, with three wins against playoff-bound teams. They also added Richard Sherman, Jerrick McKinnon and Mike McGlinchey after losing Carlos Hyde and Aaron Lynch.
Garoppolo, who the 49ers acquired in a trade with New England, finally gets his chance to shine after being a backup behind Tom Brady. Many are calling for a 10-win season for the Niners, who have not had a winning record in five years. It won’t be easy as San Fran plays five of its first eight games on the road.
Seattle (Last title: 2016)
The Seahawks’ impressive run of five consecutive playoff appearances ended last season with a 9-7 record. The Legion of Boom was no longer a dominant force and the team’s point differential fell to +34.
A few of those defensive standouts are gone now — like Michael Bennett and Richard Sherman — which has left the team in a rebuilding mode.
Their star quarterback, Russell Wilson, will keep them in games, but the Seahawks did little in the offseason to help a struggling offensive line.
Another 9-7 record may be the best the Seahawks can do again this year, especially since five of their first seven games are on the road.
VGB’s pick — Los Angeles Rams (-110). The Rams have the firepower on both sides of the ball to win this division. Goff must keep improving if they hope to make their first Super Bowl appearance in 17 years.
