ODDS TO WIN THE DIVISION (Bovada sportsbook)
San Francisco 49ers +185
Los Angeles Rams +185
Seattle Seahawks +280
Arizona Cardinals +650
The NFC West enters the 2021 season as the best division in football from top to bottom. All four teams are capable of beating anyone in the league on any particular weekend, and certainly will beat up on each other throughout the course of the season. Additionally, the West really has no clear winner projected, as the 49ers and Rams are neck and neck heading into week one. The Buccaneers may be the reigning champs, and cream of the crop, but the bulk of the strength of the NFC resides in the West.
San Francisco 49ers
2020 Record – 6-10
2020 Record Against the Spread – 7-9
It’s always tough to watch good teams who are ravaged by injuries and deal with the “what if” questions. The silver lining when this happens, is a team has a lot of players that get experience and build interchangeable depth. Enter the San Francisco 49ers who are the epitome of this from a year ago and entering this season. That also helps explain their roughly 10-1 Super Bowl odds, despite achieving only a 6-10 record in 2020. All of the pieces are in place for a strong season, with a looming question of who is handling the quarterback duties?
Before we tackle the obvious question about what QB makes this team tick, let’s give the rest of the offense a quick breakdown. The offense returns a solid core of really good football players, starting with the big and physical offensive line. They are the foundation for the running scheme that should allow whoever is in the backfield to find success. Raheem Mostert is the clear number one guy after a couple of seasons of platoon duty, and if he can stay healthy is going to have a really good season. The sometimes overlooked piece of this offense is Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszcyzk, who can do anything needed with both the running or passing game. The Niners welcome back another Pro Bowler, as tight end George Kittle will be back in the lineup creating mismatches and playing his up-tempo style. Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel also fit the mold of returning potential weapons on the outside. Kyle Shanahan and Mike McDaniel will find creative ways to get Samuel the ball, and Aiyuk could be a potential breakout star in his second season. All of this leads us back to the most important position of all, and who will be the starting quarterback for this team? Jimmy Garoppolo seems to be the logical choice, but rookie Trey Lance was drafted for a reason, and has looked very impressive during his early preseason work. Will the competition push these guys to be better, or cause a rift within the offense and even the locker room?
When we look at the defense, there’s a lot to be optimistic about on that side of the ball as well. You can point to Nick Bosa returning as the key excitement, but it’s actually been veteran Dee Ford who has really shined during the offseason. If Ford can come back and join Bosa as a disruptive edge rusher, this defense could be really vicious. That’s before even touching on the fact that they have one of the top linebackers in the game in Fred Warner, and a really strong secondary. The defense is clearly going to be one of the better units in the league.
2021 Strength of Schedule – Tied 19th (.489)
Team Win Total Odds – 10.5 Wins (over +105, under -110)
BetCrushers Projected Record – 11-6
It certainly won’t be surprising if this team wins 12+ games and makes a deep run in the playoffs. They’re balanced, well-coached and have elite talent at some key positions. How well they compete within the division and if they can avoid the injury bug will be an important gauge of their overall record. Realistically, the only uncertainty is at the QB position. All we can do is wait and see how that develops.
Possible to Wagers To Play – Teasers
When you check the box scores at the end of this season there is a strong possibility the Niners will have played in a lot of close games, both in wins and losses. Look for opportunities to tease them under a FG as a favorite or over a touchdown getting points and you should find some good success.
Fantasy Players To Watch – Raheem Mostert (RB), 49ers (DST)
After splitting time with a bevy of running backs, the backfield for the 49ers has a clear top dog with Raheem Mostert. This play is not so much on Mostert, it’s the fact that whoever has been running the ball for this team since Kyle Shanahan’s arrival has been an absolute star. With Mostert taking on the bulk of the workload, his speed and touches should result in some big plays and touchdowns. We mentioned the potential pass rush of this team, so expect a lot of sacks and interceptions for the defense.
Arizona Cardinals
2020 Record – 8-8
2020 Record Against the Spread – 7-9
The Cardinals are somewhat of a hot pick to make a big leap in 2021 based on both the development of quarterback Kyler Murray and some big name additions in the offseason. On the other hand, they’re not getting a ton of respect among the oddsmakers as referenced by their 6.5-1 divisional odds and a .500 win total. There’s a lot to be excited about with this team, but it’s definitely going to be an uphill climb fighting through the three favorites in the division.
Quarterback Kyler Murray enters his third season in the NFL coming off of an up and down campaign in 2020. There’s no question that Murray is one of the elite talents not only at the position, but in the league as a whole. Murray has the ability to single-handedly win games, which he has done, but he’s also left a lot of plays on the field. Kliff Kingsbury has stated he needs Murray to be more consistent, and the same could be said for the offense in its entirety. The offseason saw the arrival of former Bengals star A.J. Green who will pair with DeAndre Hopkins to feature two of the top receivers of the last decade. What we don’t know yet, is if Green has anything left in the tank after a season missed to injury, and an underwhelming 2020? The running game has a slightly revised look as the shifty Chase Edmonds is now the lead back. James Conner provides a nice backup option that should keep teams from completely keying on Murray and the passing game.
The Arizona defense made a splash of it’s own by bringing in former defensive MVP J.J. Watt, with the idea he could form a potent pass rush with Jordan Phillips and Chandler Jones. On paper this looks really scary, however it’s good to remember that Jones is coming off of a major injury, and Watt isn’t quite the player he was in 2015. The key to this defense actually may rest at the linebacker position, as the team needs second year linebacker Isaiah Simmons to partner with this year’s top pick Zaven Collins to shore up the run defense. The secondary is led by safety Budda Baker, with some questionable pieces around him. There might be a little bit of a rotating competition at the cornerback position unless someone emerges as a clear leader.
2021 Strength of Schedule – Tied 13th (.507)
Team Win Total Odds – 8 Wins (over -110, under -110)
BetCrushers Projected Record – 7-11
Kyler Murray has a lot of pressure on him heading into this season. On paper, this Cardinals roster has some pretty impressive names on it. For some reason, it’s easy to want to root for this team to succeed. Unfortunately, when you really do the math, it’s going to be really difficult for this team to find a way into the playoff race. The luster of Kliff Kingsbury is seeming to wear off quickly, and if the Cardinals struggle, Kingsbury could be in some trouble.
Possible to Wagers To Play – Prop Bets
There are two wagers that are pretty consistent when it comes to player props with the Arizona Cardinals. Kyler Murray rushing TDs are as close to a sure thing as there is as he’s near a lock to have one each week. When the team plays a team that doesn’t have a true shut down corner, DeAndre Hopkins is going to catch a lot of passes. Take those prop bets when they make sense.
Fantasy Players To Watch – Chase Edmonds (RB)
There’s actually a little value with Kyler Murray as he should only continue his rise both throwing and running the football. We’re really looking at someone a little under the radar on this offense. Running back Chase Edmonds is simply a producer when given the opportunity. Sometimes the change of pace running back struggles a bit when given the keys to the starting job, however the timeshare with James Conner should keep Edmonds fresh. His pass catching ability and speed make him a value play if you can get him at the right price.
Los Angeles Rams
2020 Record – 10-6
2020 Record Against the Spread – 9-7
Arguable the biggest move of the offseason in the league was when the Los Angeles Rams traded Jared Goff to the Lions for Matthew Stafford. The Rams believed that their team is Super Bowl ready, simply needing a more seasoned and aggressive quarterback to take the next step in the playoffs. In evaluating the Rams, we know what we’re getting with the star players on the team, it’s the role players that could end up making or breaking the season.
Matthew Stafford is a proven commodity in the league and is absolutely an upgrade from Jared Goff at the quarterback position. That doesn’t necessarily mean that inserting him into the lineup will translate to instant success with the Rams offense. The biggest question with the Rams this season is how long it will take Stafford to mesh with Sean McVay’s offense? He has the weapons on the outside as Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp and Tyler Higbee are as solid of a WR/TE trio as you’ll find in the game. Van Jefferson is a player that could emerge in the third receiver role, and the team is kicking the tires on Desean Jackson as a possibly deep threat. The Rams were dealt a big blow in the offseason as their expected workhouse back, Cam Akers was lost for the season. The team made a deal to bring over Sony Michel, and between the former Patriot and Darrell Henderson they should be solid enough to at least keep opposing defenses honest. The offensive line probably overachieved last year, and they’ll need to continue the quality play for this scheme to work.
Let’s switch over and look at the defense for a minute. The Rams are what you would consider a “top-heavy” defense led by superstars Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. There isn’t a question regarding how they’ll perform, but a defense needs more than just two players contributing to be successful. They received great play a season ago from some others on the roster, but had some big offseason losses with veteran Michael Brockers and John Johnson III in the secondary. There are some crafty veterans including Leonard Floyd and the young Taylor Rapp available, so the cupboard isn’t bare, but there are definitely some questions in the back seven. A year ago, the Rams were one of the best defenses in the league, and they’ll anticipate staying at that level. We’re not completely sold that this group will be quite as strong as they were despite having two of the best players in the league lining up each week.
2021 Strength of Schedule – 10th (.515)
Team Win Total Odds – 10.5 Wins (over +105, under -135)
BetCrushers Projected Record – 11-6
Much like the bookmakers, we’ve got the Rams fighting with the 49ers and finishing with the same record during the regular season. There is a lot of talent on this team and Sean McVay should be able to run an offense similar to the one that propelled them to the Super Bowl just a few seasons ago. As long as Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey are on the defense, they should be good enough to keep them in ballgames. How quickly Matthew Stafford can adapt to the offense could be a key in how their overall record plays out.
Possible to Wagers To Play – Teasers
Both the Rams from a season ago, and Matthew Stafford throughout his career have played in a lot of really close ballgames. The Rams will definitely be a team to chase the right number with and give yourself the extra 6 points.
Fantasy Players To Watch – Tyler Higbee (TE), Cooper Kupp (WR)
Cam Akers was a player we were 100% planning to buy in on entering the 2021 season, before an unfortunate injury shelved his year before it started. Tyler Higbee put up Kittle/Kelce/Ertz type numbers when he took over as a starter at tight end. Even though there is inherent risk with the small sample size, he could end up being a top five producer at the position. Cooper Kupp is poised to have another solid season despite sharing targets on the offense and should be a reliable target for Stafford.
Seattle Seahawks
2020 Record – 12-4
2020 Record Against the Spread – 8-8
You have to be at least a little bit impressed with what head coach Pete Carroll has been able to do in his time with the Seattle Seahawks. Perhaps it was his experience creating a juggernaut at USC that has allowed him to continue to put together winning football teams despite having to turn over talent regularly. The cliche term of not re-building but re-loading seems to apply yet again to this year’s version of the Hawks. The Seahawks could benefit from the 12th man advantage that was lost during the 2020 season.
The first half of 2020 watched the Seahawks light up scoreboards as Russell Wilson was electric getting the ball to his main weapons, D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Things fizzled in the second half as offensive line woes really put a damper on what the offense was able to do. The team tried to appease Wilson by doing some work on the line, and although it’s still a little shaky, the addition of Gabe Jackson should help tighten things up with the pass blocking. Perhaps the best news for the offense is they’ll have a presumably healthy Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny back to give the running game a boost. Will Dissly and Gerald Everett give Wilson some additional options in the red zone and on short yardage situations. Although the defense played much better late in the season a year ago, the weight of winning is going to rest as it recently has with Russell Wilson and the offense.
Defensively, your eyes are drawn to Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner and safety Jamal Adams, who each are playmakers at their respective positions. Unfortunately, there isn’t a whole lot to be excited beyond the two household names when you look at the rest of the unit. The team is hopeful that Jordyn Brooks can be an impact linebacker next to Wagner, and Tre Flowers and new signee Ahkello Witherspoon can man the corners effectively. If they can, it will allow the fore mentioned Adams the ability to play aggressively near the line of scrimmage, which is where he excels. As was the case entering the season a year ago, the defensive line looks to be a weak spot. Carlos Dunlap was able to provide a pass rush spark via trade, but he’s no longer there. There’s enough beef on the interior that with Wagner running sideline to sideline they should be ok against the rush. The pass defense is something that needs to be watched closely as a lack of pass rush could really hurt them again.
2021 Strength of Schedule – Tied 11th (.511)
Team Win Total Odds – 10 Wins (over -110, under -110)
BetCrushers Projected Record – 10-7
It’s tough committing to a team in a division that has some questions with their big men on offense, and certainly on defense. The Seahawks are a quality football team and are going to win some games, and beat some good teams. There’s no question that they’ve got a legitimate shot at winning this division and making the playoffs, however, we just can’t see them getting over the hump. Vegas has them pegged at 10 wins, which is exactly where the BetCrushers have them as well.
Possible to Wagers To Play – Against the Spread / Prop Bets
In Russell Wilson’s career the Seahawks have consistently been one of the top covering teams, a trend that continued last year. They’re dominant at home and Wilson seems to always keep them close on the road. This team could be surprisingly good and Wilson will continue to keep them in games so bet them laying points and getting points in the right situations. Speaking of Russell Wilson, he’s one of the most athletic and electric players in the league. As a result his game rushing totals are usually set pretty high. Particularly in games that “aren’t as important” he’s a lot less likely to take off at this stage in his career. Take the under on his rushing props and you should come out ahead.
Fantasy Players To Watch – Chris Carson (RB), Tyler Lockett (WR)
If you are playing daily fantasy or carry two defenses on your roster the Seahawks are a great option to play at home. Their numbers are strong at home in terms of sacks and takeaways as you’d probably guess. Offensively there are plenty of playmaking options, the question is who is going to carry the team each week?
