The Sports Bizzo

Brandon’s Preview of the NFC West

The NFC looks to be the more exciting conference this year, coming off a Super-Bowl win and dramatic endings to the 07-08 season. Brett Favre’s retirement/unretirement, the other Manning getting weaned off the proverbial teat, T.O. and the ‘Boys choking again, Adrian Peterson’s break-out year, and the emergence of NFC West Powerhouse… – Wait. Scratch that last item.

Last summer when ESPN The Magazine put some San Francisco 49ers on its cover, yours truly bought into the hype. Before I knew it my 1st pick in the 1st round of my fantasy draft was Frank Gore, and he was later handcuffed to Alex Smith. Both were plagued with injuries, mishaps, and bad coaching. The 49ers finished 5-11 with the 32nd ranked offense in the league. Now add St. Louis, which fell well under expectations ending the season with 3 wins, the Cardinals going .500 with no help from their QB-to-be, and the “our-playoff-spot-is-guaranteed” Seahawks, and you’ve got the NFC West. My fantasy team was the worst in my league. If you assume that the Pats made up for the other three AFC East teams by going 16-0, then the NFC West also finished the year as the league’s lamest division.

This season there will be more of the same. If you don’t believe it, remember that each team in the division must play the entire NFC East and the Patriots during the regular season. For you fantasy players – stay away from this division. The NFC West will continue to produce lackluster performances and unhappy fantasy owners. Below are my predictions for each team, along with players and games worth watching.

Seattle Seahawks – The Year they Struggle (Not!) - Record: 10-6

Players to Watch: Julius Jones, Maurice Morris, and T.J. Duckett. These three running backs are competing for touches this season, and no matter who ultimately gets the starting job, or if the Seahawks adopt the popular two-RB system, these guys should fill the void left by Sean Alexander. Let’s just hope none of them jump on a Madden cover anytime soon.

Game to Watch: Week 13 Thursday Seattle @ Dallas Turkey Day + Football + Pie = The Most American Holiday Ever

Prediction: The layout of this schedule looks pretty easy for this experienced team, with the worst stretch being weeks 12 through 14: Washington, Dallas, and New England. But by then Seattle will probably have 6 wins. Their last three games are against the Rams, Jets, and AZ. 10-6 Wild Card Winner, will lose to Cowboys in 2nd Round.

St. Louis Rams – Cursed - Record: 7-9

Players to Watch: Body parts of all players. This team could take the division if it doesn’t sustain the same injuries as last year. Of course, Steven Jackson should probably, you know, show up for training camp. Just because you can get a thousand yards in 12 games doesn’t mean a T.O. level fit is necessary. In case you were wondering what happened to Trent Green after he almost got his neck broken playing for Miami last year, he’s riding the bench for this team. When you’ve got suits that will give this brain-injured 38 year-old a job, you have to wonder how hard they ride everyone else. Just this past week – CB Justin King, the 101st pick of the draft, ended his season with a torn Big Toe Ligament. The dreaded BTL tear. Season-ending big toe injury? Is this team already done?

Game to Watch: Week 6 Sunday St. Louis @ Washington How will the Rams look after their early Week 5 bye? Too many adjustments or not enough?

Prediction: After a possible 1-3 start due to Philly, NY, and Seattle, the Rams have a chance to post a win against upstart Washington after the bye. This could give them the confidence they need to win some contests after they lose to NE and Dallas in Weeks 7 and 8. In no particular order, gimme games after Week 8 include road visits to the Jets and 49ers; then home games against AZ, Miami, and the 49ers again. If you ask me though, the ‘Skins will have their number and send them reeling. 7-9 No playoffs.

Arizona Cardinals – Winning to Pay the Stadium Bill - Record: 6-10

Players to Watch: Matt “he is who we think he is” Leinart is likely to be the starter at the QB position this year, however, quarterback controversy could be brewing as Kurt Warner enters contract negotiations. This season is do or die for Leinart. The .500 record from last year has fans unrealistically talking playoffs. If he stinks it up, look for the Warner trigger to get pulled fast.

Game to Watch: Week 4 Sunday AZ @ NY Jets Why not? Favre vs Leinart.

Prediction: In their first four games, Arizona will go on the road three times. After that they will face Buffalo and Dallas at home. Then two more road games after the bye week, and for weeks 11,12, and 13, they face Seattle, NY, and Philly. The first six games will set the tone, but even if they can go 4-2, November will end them. 6-10, No playoffs.

San Francisco 49ers – Mediocrity from The Motor City - Record: 3-13

Players to Watch: The whole offense. Mike Martz made a brilliant move taking the San Francisco offensive coordinator position. He can improve the team simply by not getting ranked last in offense! Talk about easy job requirements. Don’t suck more than everybody. He states that he won’t turn the team into a Detroit pass machine, but he’s got three QBs trying out for the starting position, even though it could be argued that Alex Smith got screwed last year being forced to play hurt. This competition will surely shake his confidence while trying to learn a freakish system. Don’t forget that Martz had access to a veteran QB in Kitna that he doesn’t have here. Will Frank Gore be neglected with this mix?

Game to Watch: Week 3 Sunday SF vs Detroit Can Mike Martz post a win against his old team?

Prediction: This team is going to be easy prey for everybody. After the season is over, this team will bust-out like the restaurateur that bets on them with the wrong people. 3-13. Offense will be ranked 26.