As we await the start of the NFL training camp, let’s continue familiarizing ourselves with how each division fared in 2020. Next up on the list – the loaded NFC West division.
2020 NFC West Final Standings
Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
Los Angeles Rams (10-6)
Arizona Cardinals (8-8)
San Francisco 49ers (6-10)
2020 saw two representatives from the NFC West reach the playoffs, the Seahawks and Rams. The two teams met in the Wild Card round, with the Rams taking the upset victory on the road. Los Angeles would go on to lose to Green Bay in the Divisional Round.
Fourth Place: San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers Team Preview
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a team hit harder by injuries in 2020 than the San Francisco 49ers. A year removed from reaching the Super Bowl, San Francisco suffered losses at many key positions that kept them from building on the success of 2019.
Injuries at quarterback, running back, tight end, wide receiver, offensive line, and throughout the defense was too much to overcome.
The Niners roster remains strong with playmakers George Kittle, Raheem Mostert, Deebo Samuel, and Brandon Aiyuk. San Francisco made a big move in advance of the NFL Draft, trading up to the third overall pick and taking quarterback Trey Lance.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who missed ten games, maybe on his way out.
Third Place: Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals Team Preview
Arizona started the season as one of the hottest teams, thanks to the dynamic duo of Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins.
The Cardinals started the year 5-2 but finished just 8-8.
Hopkins’ first year in Arizona was a success from a statistical standpoint, hauling in 115 receptions for 1,407 yards, though he caught just six touchdowns.
Kyler Murray showed flashes of what could be in his second year, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and rushing for 819 more, combining for 37 touchdowns.
Arizona’s Achilles heel was the play of their defense, ranked 26th on Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Second Place: Los Angeles Rams
The story of the Rams’ 2020 success came from their smothering defense, tops in the league according to PFF.
Aaron Donald won his third Defensive Player of the Year award, finishing the year with 13.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles.
Los Angeles had a balanced offensive attack. Receivers Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods each finished with over 900 yards, while running backs Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson each ran for over 600 yards.
What likely kept the Rams from getting over the hump was the play of their quarterback, Jared Goff. Goff threw just 20 touchdowns to 13 interceptions.
The Rams made a big move this offseason, shipping off Goff and a few first round picks for former Lions QB Matthew Stafford.
First Place: Seattle Seahawks
Early in the season, it felt inevitable that quarterback Russell Wilson would take home his first MVP award. Unfortunately for him and Seattle, Wilson’s play became a bit more erratic, and Seattle fell to third place in the NFC.
Wilson finished the season with 4,212 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, adding 513 yards rushing and two more scores.
DK Metcalf took a big leap in his second year. The big receiver ended his year with 1,303 yards and ten touchdowns. Fellow receiver Tyler Lockett wrapped up the year with 100 catches for 1,054 yards and ten touchdowns of his own.
A loss in the Wild Card round will deem the 2020 season a failure for Seattle, but the team was one of the most balanced in the NFL. The Seahawks ranked tenth on both sides of the ball, according to PFF.
