NFL 2006: NFC West Projections

The defending NFC champions Seattle Seahawks are once again among the favorites in their conference, however, they will face stiffer competition as the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears have improved.

The Seahawks took care of business early in the off-season by re-signing their Pro Bowl running Shaun Alexander to an eight-year contract, which should keep him in the great Northwest for the duration of his career. Last season, Alexander was the NFL MVP, and arguably the most overriding running back in the league. Alexander should compile another remarkable season.

Matt Hasselbeck has become one of the more reliable quarterback in the NFL over the previous three seasons. The former backup to Brett Favre has made a name for himself in Seattle. Hasselbeck's 2005 campaign was his best thus far in his career. He threw 24 touchdown passes versus 9 interceptions and had a quarterback rating of 98.2.

The Seahawks added Nate Burleson to their receiving core, as he'll complement Darrell Jackson and Bobby Engram. And if Jackson suffers through another injury-plagued season, Burleson would adequately fill that gaping hole.

Tight end Jeremy Stevens may miss the first few weeks of the NFL regular season after injuring his knee in practice.

The defense for the Seahawks was respectable in 2005, and should operate at an analogous level in 2006.

The Seahawks will bring practically the same team to the field as they had in 2005, so they should repeat as NFC West champions.

2. Arizona Cardinals (10-6)

Not only will the Seattle Seahawks face rigorous competition in the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears, but their toughest opponent could come from their own division. The Arizona Cardinals have strengthened their offensive core as they have added running back former Indianaplis Colts running back Edgerrin James.

The Cardinals were able to draft former Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart tenth overall. Green is hoping that veteran quarterback Kurt Warner will take Leinart under his wings. If healthy, Warner can put up some impressive stats, but his health has been of concern ever since he was with the St. Louis Rams.

The Cardinals receiving core of Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald is one of the finest in the NFL.

It will be interesting to see how the defense performs in 2006 after they were eighth best overall in 2005.

Along with the New Orleans Saints, the Cardinals could be the most improved team in the NFC. If the Seahawks become bogged down with injuries, the Cardinals will likely become the team to beat in the NFC West.

3. St. Louis Rams (8-8)

It seems just like yesterday when the St. Louis Rams owned the NFC West. Gone are the days when Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, and Isaac Bruce befuddled defenses.

Warner is now with NFC West adversary Arizona Cardinals, Faulk is 33-years old, which is considered ancient for running backs, and Bruce isn't the dominating receiver he was several years ago.

Rams quarterback Marc Bulger has looked great at times, when he's healthy, but he has the tendency to turn the ball over when he feels pressured. Last season, Bulger appeared to be on his way to possibly a career season before he was injured during the Rams eighth game of the season. If Bulger becomes prone to injury in 2006, the Rams will utilize backup Gus Frerotte, who was impressive as the Miami Dolphins starter last season.

Steven Jackson has fully supplanted Marshall Faulk in the Rams backfield. The explosive Torry Holt will continue on as the Rams primary receiver.

It the Rams can remain healthy, they could squeeze into the NFL post-season, but I doubt that they can overthrow the Seattle Seahawks as NFC West champions.

4. San Francisco 49ers (4-12)

The days of Joe Montana, Steve Young, Jerry Rice, and Roger Craig have long past, and the era of Alex Smith, Antonio Bryant, and Frank Gore is upon San Francisco 49ers fans.

The 49ers had high hopes for the 2005 first round draft Alex Smith, but rookie season was less than stellar. Smith threw only 1 touchdown pass versus 11 interceptions, and his quarterback rating was a thwarting 40.8. Smith must drastically improve upon last season's stats if the 49ers are to have any success on offense.

Antonio Bryant is an adequate receiver and his presence could help Smith.

Running back Frank Gore will be embarking upon his second season in the NFL. The 49ers believe that Gore can develop into a dependable running back.

The 49ers defense was abhorrent in 2005, so any improvement will be a plus.

The 49ers franchise continues to rebuild and restructure, so it may be several years before they become legitimate title contenders for the NFC West crown.