The NFC West used to represent the best in the NFC but last year saw the division take a step back to the NFC North and the NFC East.

The Los Angeles Rams were the only team to make the NFL Playoffs from the West. The once dominant San Francisco 49ers were ravaged by injuries and finished last in the division.

This year, those two in-state NFL rivals are projected to battle for the divisional crown. The Rams are the reigning NFC West champions but the 49ers hold the record for the most division titles with 22. And, let’s not forget, the 49ers were favorites to make the Super Bowl last year, at the start of the season.

The Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks are expected to be competitive but neither are projected to make the Playoffs. In fact, the latest NFL betting odds have them both missing out on the postseason and flirting with sub .500 records.

With that said, let’s take a look at the latest NFC West odds, courtesy of the top sports betting sites, make our 2025-26 NFC West division predictions and compare some of the picks from the best handicappers.

What Teams Are In The NFC West?

The following four NFL teams are in the NFC West:

• Arizona Cardinals: 3 division titles, last won in 2015
• Los Angeles Rams: 17 division titles, last won in 2024
• San Francisco 49ers: 22 division titles, last won in 2023
• Seattle Seahawks: 9 division titles, last won in 2020

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NFC West Division

2025 Los Angeles Rams Preview

• 2024-25 Offense: 21.9 ppg (22), 333.0 ypg (14), 51.39% RZ TDs (25)
• 2024-25 Defense: 22.3 ppg (15), 348.3 ypg (24), 1.2 TO (14)

The Los Angeles Rams surprised the league last year by winning the NFC West and making it to the Divisional Round where they came up a few points shy of upsetting the Eagles in Philadelphia. It was a pleasant development for LA fans and the organization itself.

This offseason, the Rams were active by looking for decent upgrades along the offensive line to improve pass protection and the running game. But the biggest addition was receiver Davante Adams who makes this team a real threat in the NFC.

Defensively, the Rams looked for a few pieces to take this unit to the next level. They added Poona Ford to anchor the defensive line especially against the run. They also drafted Josaiah Stewart from Michigan, who could be a sneaky-good pass rusher.

Overall, the Rams didn’t lose anyone that wasn’t replaceable on either side of the ball. In fact, one could argue that those departures like of Cooper Kupp, opened the door to make this team better.

With Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford providing this team leadership and Super Bowl winning experience, you have to like their chances of repeating as the NFC West champs.

Los Angeles Rams Win Total

• Over 10.5 (+140)
• Under 10.5 (-165)

Rams fans will need to be patient this season as they could get off to a bumpy start, which isn’t new for this team or coaching staff. They play the Texans, Titans, Eagles, Colts, 49ers and Ravens over the first six weeks. This could be a 3-3 stretch to kick off the year.

However, they then get a winnable middle section against the Jaguars, Saints, 49ers, Seahawks, Buccaneers and Panthers. LA could easily go 4-2 over this stretch, if not 5-1.

They close out their season against the Cardinals twice, Seahawks, Falcons, and a home game against the Lions. I see at least 4-1 over this stretch to close out the year.

Last season, the Rams finished 10-7. This year, I see at least 11 wins if not closer to 13. I am a big believer in this team’s potential from the offensive weapons to a young defense taking a big step towards being a Top 10 unit.

Bet: Over 10.5 (+140)

Will The Los Angeles Rams Make The 2025-26 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (-165)
• No (+135)

Not only do I see the Rams making the Playoffs once again, I also see this team as being the best in the NFC West. I love the young defense and I see that unit taking a leap forward this year.

Offensively, the addition of Davante Adams at receiver makes this unit lethal. They can throw and run the ball, have two top-tier receivers, and are led by a veteran QB and coach that have won a Super Bowl already.

The only question is what seed this team will finish as in the NFC.

Bet: Yes (-165)

2025 Seattle Seahawks Preview

• 2024-25 Offense: 22.1 ppg (17), 332.2 ypg (18), 57.14% RZ TDs (14)
• 2024-25 Defense: 21.6 ppg (13), 332.7 ypg (6), 1.1 TO (16)

The Seattle Seahawks came close to making the Playoffs last year. Instead of building off that success, the front office decided to make some big changes on both sides of the ball.

Offensively, they parted ways with Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Noah Fant. These were key players for the offense over the last few years. They brought in Sam Darnold and Cooper Cupp along with Marquez Valed-Scantling.

They had a strong draft, where many pundits gave them an A for selecting a number of talented prospects. Offensively, they added one of the top guards in Grey Zabel. They also selected Miami TE Elija Arroyo and Alabama QB Jalen Milroe. WR Tory Horton is a sleeper pick, that was taken in the 5^th round.

Defensively, they added Safety Nick Emmanwori who was one of the best at his position in this draft class. They lost a number of contributors on this side of the ball including players like Artie Burns and Tre Brown.

I don’t see Darnold having the same success as he did last year with the Vikings. I also don’t see Kupp being a big playmaker for this offense, that is in desperate need for playmakers. Defensively, this unit will be fortunate to crack the Top 15 in major statistical categories.

Ultimately, I think this team took a step back in the offseason and are further away from the Playoffs than they have been in the last three to four years.

Seattle Seahawks Win Total

• Over 7.5 (+140)
• Under 7.5 (-110)

Seattle doesn’t have as tough of a scheduled as one would think considering they finished higher than the Cardinals and 49ers. However, I don’t see this team going better than 2-4 in the division.

Additionally, I think they lose to the Bucs, Texans, Commanders, and Falcons. That’s eight losses right there. They also play against the Vikings, Falcons, Colts and Panthers. I see a 2-2 record over those four games as Seattle isn’t better than any of those teams.

Ultimately, the sportsbooks favored the Seahawks to finish with less than 8 wins and I see that being the case. Seattle will go 7-10 at best.

Bet: Under 7.5 (-110)

Will The Seattle Seahawks Make The 2025-26 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (+175)
• No (-225)

Unfortunately for Seattle fans, I believe this team will take a big step backwards in 2025. I don’t see Darnold duplicating his success from last year in Minnesota. There are too many question marks on the offense and the defense isn’t elite enough to shut down elite opposition.

The Seahawks will miss out on the Playoffs once again, and will most likely fall short of a winning record.

Bet: No (-225)

2025 Arizona Cardinals Preview

• 2024-25 Offense: 23.5 ppg (11), 358.2 ypg (11), 56.14% RZ TDs (17)
• 2024-25 Defense: 22.3 ppg (16), 342.5 ypg (20), 1.0 TO (20)

The one NFC West team that I think will make the biggest jump from last year to this season, is the Arizona Cardinals. Many people forget that the Cardinals had a Top 11 offense in scoring and total yardage. They were just getting into a groove over the second half of the season before time ran out.

While they didn’t do much to upgrade the offensive side of the ball this offseason, they should still have a Top 11 offense this year, if not better. Trey McBride is one of the best tight ends in the league.

Marvin Harrison Jr. will take a big step towards being a dominant #1 receiver and the backfield will be dangerous with Conner and Benson. Plus, QB Kyle Murray will be healthy and have a strong connection with these young players.

The biggest issue for Arizona was their defense that couldn’t stop opposing offenses when it really mattered; especially elite offenses.

So, the Cardinals added a number of defensive players this offseason featuring Josh Sweat along the defensive line. But they also had a great draft as they selected six defensive players in seven picks, including their first five selections.

Walter Nolan was selected 16^th overall at DT but corners Will Johnson and Denzel Burke could end up being the biggest contributors this year.

I see Arizona improving their record, being a winning team, and flirting with a Playoff spot.

Arizona Cardinals Win Total

• Over 8.5 (-115)
• Under 8.5 (-105)

For me, this is an easy Over 8.5 team. Their easiest stretch on the season is the first six weeks where they play the Saints, Panthers, 49ers, Seahawks, Titans and Colts. The Cardinals could beat all of those teams but a 5-1 record seems more likely.

Losses to the Packers, Buccaneers, Texans and Bengals, will even out that start. So, at 5-5, they also have game against the Cowboys, 49ers, Jaguars, Falcons, Seahawks and Rams twice.

Arizona will go at least 3-3 in their division and more than likely beat the Cowboys and Jaguars. I can see this team flirting with 10 wins.

Bet: Over 8.5 (-115)

Will The Arizona Cardinals Make The 2025-26 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (+125)
• No (-155)

There’s a part of me that really wants to pick Arizona to make the Playoffs. I’m a fan of what they’ve put together on the offensive side of the ball.

Unfortunately, there are too many good teams fighting for those Wild Card spots and I don’t see the Cardinals beating them out or winning this division. Arizona is one season away from being a true Playoff contender.

Bet: No (-155)

2025 San Francisco 49ers Preview

• 2024-25 Offense: 22.9 ppg (24), 376.3 ypg (4), 57.14% RZ TDs (14)
• 2024-25 Defense: 25.6 ppg (29), 317.4 ypg (7), 1.0 TO (20)

Last year, the 49ers lost seven of their last eight games and finished in the basement of the NFC West. This year, they should finish higher than that but not by much.

Sure, Robert Saleh returned to restore defense in the Bay Area as this team gave up 25.6 ppg and couldn’t stop the run. However, they lost a ton of talent in the offseason which were also absent last season due to injuries.

The 49ers lost Leonard Floyd, Dre Greenlaw, Maleik Collins, Javon Hargrove, Charvarious Ward, and Talanoa Hufanga. These guys are not easily replaceable. And, the 49ers didn’t even bring in anyone that could come close to filling the void that those players left behind.

Offensively, Deebo Samuel was traded, Aiyuk is still recovering from a knee injury, McCaffrey seems brittle, and Jennings is unhappy with his contract. The offensive line lost some depth, as well.

The reality is that this offense will lean on Brock Purdy but there’s only so much he can do. You saw how he led an injury riddled offense last year to respectable numbers. Yet, the defense gave up too many points.

This year, I see a similar outcome as this defense looks awful on paper. They might be able to pick up a win or two over last year’s record, but this is not a Playoff team.

San Francisco 49ers Win Total

• Over 10.5 (+110)
• Under 10.5 (-130)

Last year, the 49ers went 1-5 in the division. This year, I see at 3-3 record at best. I also see them losing to the Texans, Buccaneers and Falcons. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bears beat them in late December as well.

I have the 49ers at 9-8 at best. Sure, they have an easy schedule on paper but if the defense leaks like last year, then it could be another terrible season. With that said, I do believe we see the 49ers get back to NFC contender status in the 2026-27 season.

Bet: Under 10.5 (-130)

Will The San Francisco 49ers Make The 2025-26 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (-200)
• No (+160)

I am not a San Francisco believer for the upcoming season. This team has lost too many great players and did not fill their voids in the offseason. Not to mention, they have seen far too many injuries already this offseason. And, Christian McCaffrey struggles to stay healthy for a full season.

The once elite defense will take a step back this year, and the offense won’t be good enough to get this team into the Playoffs despite a strong season by Brock Purdy.

Bet: No (+160)

NFC West Division Odds

• San Francisco 49ers +160
• Los Angeles Rams +180
• Arizona Cardinals +425
• Seattle Seahawks +550

I really am surprised that sportsbooks have the 49ers pegged as the best team in the NFC West and favored to win the division. I think that these so-called experts have it wrong.

The Los Angeles Rams have better value, a better team, and are my NFL Pick to win the division. While the 49ers, Cardinals and Seahawks could both flirt with winning records, the Rams feature a scary offense and a rising defense that surpasses whatever the 49ers can muster up.

Bet: Los Angeles Rams +180

NFC West Exact Order Of The Division

I am not sold on the 49ers coming into this season. They lost a ton of talent and don’t have the same elite roster that won them the 2022 and 2023 NFC West titles. Instead, they’re closer to the Cardinals and Seahawks than the Rams.

I love the value we get with the Rams who will have a Top 10 offense on the season. And, I wouldn’t be surprised if they took a big step toward becoming a Top 10 defense, as well.

I’m not sold on Darnold in Seattle, especially with a lack of passing weapons. I also don’t see Arizona’s defense being strong enough to help this team win the division. However, don’t be surprised if Arizona has a better record than the 49ers do. The Cardinals are on the rise and have plenty of firepower on offense.

With that said, I like for the Rams to win the division, the Cardinals to sneak into second, the 49ers to end up third, while the Seahawks bring up the rear in the West.

Bet: Rams 1st (+180), Cardinals 2nd (+270), 49ers 3rd (+325), Seahawks 4th (+135)

NFC West Division Top 2 Finishing Position

• San Francisco 49ers & Los Angeles Rams (+160)
• San Francisco 49ers & Arizona Cardinals (+375)
• San Francisco 49ers & Seattle Seahawks (+475)
• Los Angeles Rams & Arizona Cardinals (+550)
• Los Angeles Rams & Seattle Seahawks (+650)
• Arizona Cardinals & Seattle Seahawks (+1400)

You can take the favorite option of the 49ers and Rams to finish as the top two teams or you can roll with my pick of the Rams and Cardinals which pays more than three times the value.

For me, I like Arizona’s offense more than the 49ers’ offense this season. The Cardinals have added a lot of firepower and improved the offensive line. The 49ers have done the opposite.

The Rams will win the division with one of the scariest receiving duos, Top 10 running game, and a Top 10 defense.

Bet: Los Angeles Rams & Arizona Cardinals (+550)

NFC West Season Matchups

San Francisco 49ers Series Matchups

A 3-3 record in the NFC West is a best-case scenario for the 49ers this season. Especially after going 1-5 in the division last year. With that said, I don’t think the 49ers will be a Playoff team this year. Nor do I see them winning the West. A 9-8 record feels appropriate for this team.

Bet: 1-1 vs. Rams (NA), 1-1 vs. Cardinals (+110), 1-1 vs. Seahawks (+110)

Los Angeles Rams Series Matchups

For the Rams to reach the Playoffs this year, I believe they will need to win at least 11 games which translates into at least 4-2 in the division. I like for the Rams to sweep the Seahawks and then split with both the 49ers and Cardinals.

Bet: 1-1 vs. 49ers (NA), 1-1 vs. Cardinals (+135), 2-0 vs. Seahawks (+130)

Arizona Cardinals Series Matchups

As mentioned, I see the Cardinals going 3-3 in the division at worse. I wouldn’t be surprised if they swept one of their rivals. However, I think the safe play going into the season is taking Arizona to split with all three divisional foes.

Bet: 1-1 vs. 49ers (+110), 1-1 vs. Rams (+135), 1-1 vs. Seahawks (+115)

Seattle Seahawks Series Matchups

I have the Seahawks pegged to go 2-4 in the NFC West this division as I see this team taking a step back from last year. I don’t see the Seahawks winning 8 or more games and I struggle to find a scenario where they can win half of their division games. Instead, the smart play is for Seattle to get swept by the Rams and then split with the 49ers and Cardinals.

Bet: 1-1 vs. Cardinals (+115), 0-2 vs. Rams (+130), 1-1 vs. 49ers (+110)

NFC West Champions

Check out the most recent NFC West winners: