NFL
The only division in the entire NFL that has 3 legit Super Bowl contenders is the NFC West. When you see 3 NFL teams this good in one division, it’s hard to pick one over the others. In 2025, the Super Bowl champions came from the NFC West as the Seattle Seahawks won their 2nd championship. The NFC West is the division that reminds me of the AFC North in the late 2000s- early 2010s. This is how all 4 teams in the NFC West will fare in the standings for the 2026 NFL regular season.
1. Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams are coming into 2026 as one of the best, if not the best, teams in the NFL. With a team full of talented players, this team could be playing in the Super Bowl in their own stadium.
Matthew Stafford is returning after coming off an MVP season, throwing for 46 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in 2025.
The wide receiver group is very strong with a deadly tandem of Puka Nacua and Devante Adams. And an underrated running back tandem of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, who will get good production on the field.
But the biggest offseason move for the Rams was acquiring pass rusher Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. Plus, adding in both Byron Young and Kobie Turner, the Pass rush will be a nightmare for NFC West teams. And with the potential return of Aaron Donald, the Rams will give every quarterback nightmares before every game.
2. Seattle Seahawks
In 2025, the Seattle Seahawks won their 2nd Super Bowl title in franchise history and are looking to repeat. With most of their Super Bowl starters returning, Seattle will be firing on all cylinders to repeat as champions.
Most of the offensive starters are returning in 2026, except for Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, who left in free agency. And their running attack will be led by 1st-round pick Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet with Kenneth Walker gone.
QB Sam Darnold is returning in 2026, along with a very solid receiver core of Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp.
The “Darkside defense” is returning with head coach Mike Macdonald, and DC Aden Durde will be leading the charge.
The Seattle Seahawks are a very good football team, but in a very tough division. The talent is there, and if they can get by the whole NFC West, this will be in Super Bowl contention.
3. San Francisco 49ers
After their season ended at the hands of their rival, the Seattle Seahawks, the San Francisco 49ers looked to rebound. The 49ers have been pushing to reload rather than rebuild, with a talented team on both sides of the ball.
The offense has the firepower to put many points on the scoreboard, with very talented players for San Francisco. It starts with QB Brock Purdy, along with RB Christian McCaffrey, TE George Kittle, and WR Mike Evans from Tampa.
The defense in 2025 was a down year for the 49ers, largely due to injuries to key defenders. Nick Bosa is coming back after only playing 3 games in 2025 due to a torn ACL. And Fred Warner is also coming back from a broken ankle and played only 6 games in 2025.
The 49ers in 2025 were dealing with an injury bug, especially on the defensive side of the ball. If the Injury bug stays away, it’s the sky’s the limit for the San Francisco 49ers.
4. Arizona Cardinals
Rebuilding is the Arizona Cardinals’ overall mindset going into 2026 and the next few years, especially with a new coach. Arizona has the longest odds of any team in the NFL of winning the Super Bowl in 2026.
The Arizona Cardinals have questions at quarterback; with Kyler Murray gone, they will have Jacoby Brissett start in Week 1.
Offensive weapons for Arizona don’t seem to be the problem for this team in 2026. Players include TE Trey McBride, 3rd-year wideout Marvin Harrison Jr, and 3rd overall pick RB Jeremiyah Love.
The main problem is the defense and its search for an identity on the defensive side of the ball. In 2025, both pass and run defense ranked at the bottom.
2026 will be a down year for the Arizona Cardinals. But they will look forward to the 2027 draft when they select their next franchise quarterback.
Overall Thoughts:
The NFC West is the best division not only in the NFC but in the entire NFL. 3 legit Super Bowl contenders are in this division alone, and they look very hungry. 2025 saw an NFC West team win the Super Bowl, and it’s hoped that another team can win it this year.
