Arizona Cardinals
This team is a whole lot better than they were last season. The Cards finally have a QB that can take them back into the playoffs and Larry Fitzgerald will be among the league leaders. Tim Hightower is gone which means the bulk of the running game will rely on Beanie Wells.
Sam Bradford will look to continue his 2010 success and try to lead his Rams into the playoffs.
I think he’s up for the challenge. All indications are he’s had a great camp and is ready to roll. Don’t forget that Todd Heap is also on the squad, and he still has some football left in him. The Cards will be better, and I see them going 9-7.
Saint Louis Rams
This will be a fun team to watch. I said it last year and I’ll say it again, I really didn’t think Sam Bradford was going to be a good NFL quarterback, but boy was I wrong. The Rams are capable of hanging with any team in the NFL.
Their big issue will be closing out games. The addition of Mike Sims-Walker and the defensive prowess of head coach Steve Spagnoulo will be enough to compete well in this division. I see the Rams going 9-7. The games between the Cardinals and Rams will determine the division.
San Francisco 49ers
This team was hurt by the lockout more than any other team in the NFC. Jim Harbaugh did not get the chance to really see how good, or bad, his QB situation was prior to training camp. The QB position here is still the weakest link.
If I’m playing the 49ers, I’m stopping Frank Gore on the run and daring the 49ers to beat me with their passing game. Won’t happen. The defense has gaping holes as well. I hope the 49ers give Harbaugh enough time to build something. He’s a great coach and will bring this team back with some time. I see the 49ers going 4-12. Sorry Niner fans!
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are banking on two former Vikings to get them to the next level. The problem is these two players couldn’t do it in Minnesota, so why would you think they’d do it here? Personally, I think the Seahawks are worse, not better. No playoffs this season. The Seahawks go 4-12.