Connect with us

NFL

2026 NFC West Preview, Best Bets & Division Predictions

2026 NFC West Preview, Best Bets & Division Predictions

Take a look at this NFC West preview, including best bets for each team, division predictions, and changes from 2025!

A lot of NFL fans like to claim their division is the best in football. But last season, there’s only really one division that can lay claim to that stake. It was a division with two teams in the NFC Championship, three teams in the playoffs, and the Super Bowl-winning team. This is the 2026 NFC West Division Preview and Best Bets breakdown.

Three teams finished above 12-5 a year ago, the reigning Super Bowl champions reside here, and two squads squared off in a back-and-forth NFC Championship. Win totals and expectations point to another highly competitive, highly touted group.

2026 NFC West Preview, Best Bets & Division Predictions Breakdown & Timestamps

0:00 – Intro & Division Overview
Intro to the NFC West division.

9:35 – Arizona Cardinals
Roster Upgrades, Concerns, and Best Bets

33:12 – Seattle Seahawks
Roster Upgrades, Concerns, and Best Bets

50:15 – LA Rams
Roster Upgrades, Concerns, and Best Bets

1:06:31 – San Francisco 49ers
Roster Upgrades, Concerns, and Best Bets

1:25:00 – Best Bets
Complete Best Bets & Final Division Predictions

Arizona Cardinals: Rebuilding In The Desert

This was a bad team last year at 3-14. Major losses include head coach Jonathan Gannon, Kyler Murray (to the Minnesota Vikings), leading rusher Michael Carter (just 333 yards), wide receivers Greg Dortch and Zay Jones, offensive linemen Calvin Throckmorton, Jonah Williams and Will Hernandez, Calais Campbell (second on the team in sacks), Davontae Thompson, and tacklers Akeem Davis-Gaither and Jalen Thompson. Buddha Baker remains as the leading tackler.

Additions start with first-time head coach Mike LaFleur, draft picks Carson Beck and Jeremiyah Love (No. 3 overall out of Notre Dame), Gardner Minshew as backup to Jacoby Brissett, Tyler Allgeier, Kendrick Bourne, Isaac Seumalo, second-round guard Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M), and defensive pieces Andrew Billings, Roy Lopez and others. Paris Johnson Jr. anchors the left tackle spot.

The defense ranked among the worst in the league and added little talent, creating major concern. Offense should improve with Jeremiyah Love, Allgeier, Trey Benson, the return of James Conner, Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride and Michael Wilson. The offensive line has talent but loses Bisontis. Expect more points and potential shootouts, though the defense could worsen.

Injuries:  

Chase Bisontis suffered a complete Grade 3 MCL tear and requires surgery (out 4-6 months, likely the season). Garrett Williams is returning from a late-December Achilles tear and is expected to start the season on the PUP, missing the early weeks. Josh Sweat has an undisclosed knee injury after missing offseason work; monitor closely as he ramps up.

Fantasy Football Outlook:  

This is a fun bad-team offense to target. Marvin Harrison Jr. sits around WR 31-36; Michael Wilson (1,000 yards last year after a slow start) around WR 36-39. Prefer Wilson as the more proven commodity in middle rounds, though Harrison carries higher upside if he breaks out. The passing attack ranked seventh last year and should stay productive with Brissett checking the ball down. Jeremiyah Love faces a committee and a compromised line, so Allgeier profiles as the goal-line back.

2025 Stats  

Offense: 18th in yardage (325+ ypg), 23rd in points (20+ ppg), 7th in passing (230+ ypg), 31st in rushing (under 95 ypg).  

Defense: 27th in yardage (355+ allowed), 29th in points (28+ allowed), 24th in pass defense, 25th in rush defense. Minus-2 turnover differential. Record: 3-14 (started 2-0, then 1-14 the rest of the way with eight one-score losses).

Odds  

Win total 3.5 (Over -136, Under +115). Make playoffs 20-1, miss -200. Win division 100-1, NFC 200-1, Super Bowl 500-1.

Best Bets  

  • Fewest wins in the NFL (+250) — brutal schedule (Chargers, Seahawks, 49ers, Giants, Lions, Rams, Broncos and more) leaves limited realistic wins. 
  • Jacoby Brissett over passing yards and touchdowns (plus a sprinkle at 47-1 for most passing yards in the NFL) — top-10 yards-per-game last year, heavy game scripts force throwing.
  • Michael Wilson 750+ receiving yards (+105) and 1,000 yards (+420).
  • Marvin Harrison Jr. over 5.5 receiving touchdowns (+125).
  • Tyler Allgeier anytime/first TD or over rushing touchdowns when available.

Seattle Seahawks: Reigning Super Bowl Champions

The Seahawks went 14-3, won the Super Bowl with one of the best defenses in the league and a quarterback who silenced doubters. Roster turnover is limited after a championship. Key losses: Kenneth Walker (to Kansas City), Boye Mafe (to Cincinnati), Riq Woolen (to Philadelphia) and Coby Bryant (to Chicago).  

Additions include Emmanuel Wilson (Packers), first-round pick Jadarian Price (Notre Dame), Dante Fowler, and Terri Arnold (signed after being cut by the Lions; suspension risk possible). The front seven remains nasty; secondary still solid with Julian Love and others.

The team is no longer a surprise and faces Super Bowl hangover questions while remaining in a tough division. Offense was balanced and effective; defense was elite in points allowed.

Injuries  

Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL in the January playoffs (only 7.5 months to Week 1). Clearance before nine months is rare and carries elevated re-injury risk; expect mid-season return at earliest and limited early production. Fullback Robbie Ouzts is shut down for the season (undisclosed). Nick Emmanwori (ankle surgery in July) has passed his physical and is off the PUP with four weeks to ramp up—good news with Bryant gone.

Fantasy Football Outlook  

Jadarian Price is the clear RB1 with Charbonnet out and Walker gone. He sits around RB26 and offers strong value behind a line that produced 2,000+ rushing yards. George Mulani and Emmanuel Wilson will get work, but draft capital and the need to establish the run favor Price. Jaxon Smith-Njigba remains the clear WR1 after 119 receptions and a massive target share.

2025 Stats  

Offense: 8th in yardage (350+ ypg), 3rd in points (28.4 ppg), 8th in passing (228 ypg), 11th in rushing (123 ypg).  

Defense: 6th in yardage (285 allowed), 1st in points (17+ allowed), 10th in pass defense, 3rd in rush defense. Minus-3 turnover differential. Record: 14-3, Super Bowl champions.

Odds  

Win total 10.5 (Over -115, Under -105). Make playoffs -225, miss +184. Win division +215, NFC 6-1, Super Bowl 11-1.

Best Bets  

  • Jadarian Price over 724.5 rushing yards (-110) or 700.5 (-115) — clear path to the lead role on a balanced offense that must run. 
  • Jaxon Smith-Njigba over 101.5 receptions — 119 last year, 163 targets, and the clear focal point opposite speedsters.
  • AJ Barner receiving touchdowns or anytime TD if numbers are posted (four as a rookie, six last year; red-zone favorite).
  • Stay away from heavy juice on win total/playoffs given possible hangover and tough schedule (projection range 9-12 wins).

Los Angeles Rams: Loaded And The Betting Favorites

The Rams finished 12-5 and were a couple of plays from the Super Bowl. Matthew Stafford’s back held up. Losses include Jimmy Garoppolo, Tutu Atwell (to Miami), Rob Havenstein (retiring), DJ Humphries, Jared Verse (traded), and essentially the entire cornerback room (including Cobie Durant).  

Big additions: first-round picks Ty Simpson (Alabama) and Max Claire (Ohio State), Myles Garrett (trade from Cleveland — Defensive Player of the Year, sack-record breaker), Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson (from Kansas City). Talks of Aaron Donald coming out of retirement are legitimate and increasingly expected. Defense should take a clear step forward; offense largely runs it back with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.

Concerns center on Stafford’s age/back, possible suspensions (Alec Pierce/Arik Armstead-related notes and Puka), depth if stars miss time, and a tough schedule featuring multiple back-to-back road trips.

Injuries  

Myles Garrett is dealing with knee soreness (taking practices off; not a major red flag). Puka Nacua has a minor groin issue and should return soon.

Fantasy Football Outlook  

Puka Nacua (WR 2-4 range) and Davante Adams (WR 22-25) are both must-roster. Puka posted 129 catches, 1,700+ yards, and 10 TDs. Adams had 14 TDs in 14 games. Outside of injury or Stafford issues, both are elite. Tight-end committee (Jordan Whittington, Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, etc.) is a weekly dartboard under McVay’s multiple-TE sets.

2025 Stats 

Offense: 1st in yardage (394+ ypg), 1st in points (30+), 1st in passing (265+), 7th in rushing (126).  

Defense: 17th in yardage (325+ allowed), 10th in points (20+), 19th in pass defense, 12th in rush defense. Plus-11 turnover differential. Record: 12-5, NFC Championship.

Odds  

Win total 11.5 (Over -125, Under +105/+120). Make playoffs -460, miss +350. Win division -105, NFC +295, Super Bowl +550 (favorites).

Best Bets  

  • Under 11.5 wins (+120) — Stafford back risk, potential suspensions, three sets of back-to-back road games against strong opponents (Denver, Philly, Washington, Arizona, Seattle, Tampa Bay), and little room for error. 
  • Myles Garrett under 15.75 sacks (-105) — only exceeded 16 once in nine years; Rams offense stays on the field more than the Browns did.
  • Matthew Stafford over 30.5 passing touchdowns — weapons everywhere; 46 TDs last year.

San Francisco 49ers: Talent-Laden Despite Injury History

The 49ers went 12-5 and won a playoff game in Philadelphia despite constant injury talk. Major losses: Brian Robinson (to Atlanta), Kendrick Bourne (to Arizona), Jauan Jennings (to Minnesota), Spencer Rattler/Verrett-related notes, multiple defensive ends (including Bryce Huff, team leader in sacks), Eric Kendricks, Dre Greenlaw (now returning), safety Jason Pinnock, and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh (now Titans head coach).  

Additions: Keon Black/related, Mike Evans (Tampa Bay), first-round/early pick De’Zhaun Stribling (Ole Miss), Christian Kirk, Deebo Samuel, Vederian Lowe, Osa Odighizuwa, second-round Ramello Heights, Dre Greenlaw reunion, Nate Hobbs, Jack Jones, punter Corliss Waitman, and defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. Core remains elite: Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Nick Bosa, Trent Williams, Fred Warner, etc. Age is rising, but health (or average injury luck) makes this roster dangerous.

Injuries

Brandon Aiyuk (significant prior knee injury) is on the reserve list and not expected to play this year. Ricky Pearsall needed PCL surgery (Aug. 13) and is out for the season. George Kittle (Achilles, Jan. 11) is ahead of schedule and could contribute earlier than the typical mid-season return. Nick Bosa (ACL, Week 2 last year) is dealing with minor patellar tendinitis but should be ready Week 1. Mykel Williams (ACL, early November) likely misses the first few weeks. Fred Warner is back and looks good after a severe injury.

Fantasy Football Outlook  

Mike Evans (WR 27-30), Deebo Samuel (WR 53-56) and rookie De’Zhaun Stribling (~WR 60) form a committee. Prefer Stribling for upside and cost with Pearsall out; Evans remains a red-zone monster. Christian McCaffrey carried heavy volume last year. Kittle’s return timeline will dictate TE usage early.

2025 Stats  

Offense: 7th in yardage (350+), 10th in points (25+), 5th in passing (under 245), 24th in rushing (105+).  

Defense: 20th in yardage (340+ allowed), 13th in points (under 22), 25th in pass defense, 11th in rush defense. Minus-6 turnover differential. Record: 12-5.

Odds  

Win total 9.5 (Over -146 / +120 at some shops). Make playoffs -146, miss +120. Win division +305/+340, NFC +960, Super Bowl 19-1.

Best Bets  

  • Over 10.5 wins (+130) and to win the NFC West (+340) — third-place schedule, depth, returning stars (Warner, Kittle, Bosa, Williams) and Shanahan’s track record. A 12-win team last year is being disrespected. 
  • De’Zhaun Stribling over 549.5 receiving yards (-110) and 750+ (+190) — opportunity with Pearsall out.
  • Mike Evans receiving-touchdown ladder: over 6.5 (-105), 8 (+140), 10 (5-1), 12 (11-1), and even league-lead long shot.
  • Fred Warner Comeback Player of the Year (33-1) — highly respected, best linebacker in football returning from a gruesome injury.

2026 NFC West Final Thoughts & Top Best Bets

The NFC West remains the toughest division in football on paper. The Seahawks are the defending champions, the Rams are the betting favorites with star power, the 49ers have the talent and depth to climb if health cooperates, and the Cardinals bring an improved offense that can create fireworks even if wins stay scarce.

Projected order leans toward a three-team scrap at the top with the Cardinals bringing up the rear, but variance in injuries, suspensions and Super Bowl hangover could shuffle everything. The most attractive spots are the Cardinals’ fewest-wins market, the 49ers’ win-total and division long shots, and the individual player props on Price, Brissett/Wilson, Stafford, Garrett’s under, and the 49ers’ receiving options.

Core Best Bets across the division:

  • Arizona fewest wins (+250)
  • Jadarian Price over rushing yards
  • San Francisco over 10.5 wins and to win the NFC West
  • Myles Garrett under 15.75 sacks
  • Matthew Stafford over 30.5 passing TDs
  • Michael Wilson and De’Zhaun Stribling receiving-yard overs
  • Fred Warner Comeback Player of the Year (33-1)

Thank you for checking out this NFC West preview, which is a recap of this Video. Check out the full video today for more information and bets! You can read more of my sports betting content on my SG Team Author Page. Feel free to connect with me on X (@JMarkfootball) and follow @StatementGames to stay informed about everything relevant to game day previews. Be sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel to watch the videos from The Degen Docs as soon as they hit the page!

Related Topics

More in NFL