2008 NFC West Division NFL Predictions

(listed in order of Odds to win Super Bowl 43)

2008 Seattle Seahawks Prediction from BetVega.com: 

The Seahawks strung together a pretty solid season even with RB Shaun Alexander was again injured and nowhere near his MVP form of two years ago, until getting crushed by the Packers in the play-offs. This team has done some re-tooling, and should have a good shot at maintaining its first place status in the dilapidated NFC West.

Shaun Alexander was cut after two sub par seasons, and at this point Julius Jones could be an upgrade as long as he stays healthy. Mare is no replacement for Brown, and rookie kicker Brandon Coutu will be given every chance to win the job in open competition. OG Mike Wahle is a solid player who will add toughness to the O-line while DE Lawrence Jackson has a chance to start right away. TE John Carlson has the build and skills Holmgren has been looking for in a tight end since taking the job in Seattle. Hackett shouldn't be a major loss, though DT Chuck Darby may hurt, especially as Marcus Tubbs looks to be injured, again.

The major competition for Seattle will be the Arizona Cardinals, who have the ability to catch up this year, but still need to prove they have a quarterback and that little something extra to be contenders. Prediction: Seattle 10-6, 1st place in the West.

2008 Arizona Cardinals Prediction from BetVega.com:

The Cardinals are still trying to figure out if Matt Leinart is their quarterback, but at least he has the weapons to succeed. WR Anquan Bolden is supposedly seeking a trade, so pay attention to how that plays out. LB Haggans is just as good as Calvin Pace, and much cheaper. He is also more suited for the 4-3, and DE Travis LaBoy adds great depth and some extra pass rushing ability. CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was thought by many to be a top ten talent, so he was an excellent pick up by the Cards, and should step in from day one as a shut down corner.

Campbell should start at defensive end right away, while Doucet is a big receiver who has a good shot at becoming the #3 for this team. The other picks add great depth at each position and most should make the team, although one defensive end may be on the outside looking in.

It wasn't a sexy off season, but this team is better than they were before, and if they can stay healthy and QB Matt Leinart can prove he belongs in the NFL, this team has a chance to unseat the Seahawks and win the west. Prediction: 9-7, 2nd place.

65-1 Odds to win Super Bowl 43

22-1 Odds to win the 2008-09 NFC Championship

2008 St. Louis Rams Prediction from Betvega.com:

This was a team that just plummeted. How does a team with Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt, Marc Bulger, and Steven Jackson end up anemic and one of the worst teams in the NFL? Maybe a second season will reveal more. DE Chris Long was a great draft pick, and allows former first round pick Adam Carricker to move inside. This should give the Rams the potential for a dominant defensive line. WR Donnie Avery was a confusing pick. A speedster from a small school running a spread offense…really? That was your best wide receiver on your entire board? That's a sure sign the "next Devin Hester" thing is going way too far.

OT John Greco is a tough competitor and should do well, though there are "level of competition" questions. CB Justin King was a great pick in the fourth round. K Josh Brown was the best pick up in free agency. This team is struggling, though, and it's hard to see them bouncing back, especially when it sounds like so many players don't respect the head coach. When you have Torry Holt talking badly about you, you know you're in trouble. Prediction: 4-12, 4th place.

75-1 Odds to win Super Bowl 43

22-1 Odds to win the 2008-09 NFC Championship

2008 San Francisco 49ers Prediction from BetVega.com:

I like head coach Mike Nolan and how he approaches the game with class and style, but it's time to put up or shut up. The good news is the Lions were dumb enough to cut Mike Martz, and the NFC West is very weak. The loss of OG Justin Smiley will hurt right away, though drafted guard Chilo Rachal has a mean streak and should be able to suffice right away, even with the rookie learning curve.

Martz as offensive coordinator almost instantly means another touchdown a game or more, and though the 49ers hardly have a stable of position players that will scare anybody, smart off season moves means that there's a pretty good bet that between TE Vernon Davis, WRs Ashley Lelie, Arnaz Battle, Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson and RBs Frank Gore and DeShaun Foster that Martz will find plenty of ways to use these players and make Alex Smith very productive.

The defense was addressed, as well, and DE Justin Smith is a huge upgrade, while DT Isaac Sopoaga should start right away and provide more depth. DT Kentwan Balmer is a beast and was a great pick up at their position. CB/S Reggie Smith is a fantastic third round value and should work his way into the nickel and dime packages right away.

This is a team that still has a lot of holes, and injury questions, but if they can stay healthy this team could be the surprise team of 2008. Prediction: 8-8, third place.

2008 Monday Night Football Schedule