The NFC West heads into the 2025 NFL season as a fiercely competitive division, with the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Arizona Cardinals all vying for supremacy. After a slow start in 2024, where the Rams claimed the division with a 10-7 record, the landscape has shifted with roster changes, new schedules, and evolving team dynamics. Here’s a fresh take on the projected win totals for the NFC West in 2025, with the Rams poised to come out on top.
Los Angeles Rams: Kings of the West
Projected Win Total: 12-5
The Los Angeles Rams enter 2025 as the team to beat after their 2024 division title. Sean McVay’s squad overcame early injuries to Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp last season, finishing 10-7 with a 9-3 surge after a 1-4 start. With Matthew Stafford still slinging it at 37, a healthy offensive core, the addition of Devante Adams, and Kyren Williams anchoring the run game, the Rams are primed for another big year. On the defensive side, the Rams addressed the run defense by bringing in Nate Landman, Poona Ford and drafting Chris Paul Jr.
Their schedule is challenging, with matchups against the Eagles, Ravens, and Lions, but a favorable stretch against the NFC South and AFC South (Titans, Texans, Saints) provides winnable games. The loss of Aaron Donald and Raheem Morris hurts, but draft additions and a bolstered secondary keep the defense solid. The SportsLine Projection Model gives the Rams a 40% chance to repeat as champs, with +200 odds offering value. Expect a 6-1 start and a strong finish, securing 12 wins and the division crown.
Key Factors: McVay’s genius, offensive depth, and home dominance at SoFi. X Sentiment: Fans are hyped for the Rams’ offense, with some calling them Super Bowl contenders.
San Francisco 49ers: Close but Not Quite
Projected Win Total: 10-7
The San Francisco 49ers are itching to rebound from a 6-11 season marred by injuries to Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, and Trent Williams. With a healthy roster and the NFL’s easiest schedule (facing the NFC South, AFC South, Giants, Browns, Bears), Kyle Shanahan’s team is set for a strong 2025. Brock Purdy, McCaffrey, Aiyuk, and George Kittle power the offense, while Nick Bosa and Fred Warner anchor the defense.
Despite their talent, the 49ers face stiff divisional competition, particularly from the Rams. They’ll start 4-1 but stumble in key road games against Baltimore and Los Angeles. The SportsLine Model projects 10.5 wins, with +140 odds to win the division. Ten wins feels right, keeping them in the wildcard hunt but falling short of the Rams due to a late-season loss in a pivotal Week 17 matchup. According to the strength of schedule, heading into the 2025 season, the 49ers will have the easist schedule in the entire NFL.
Key Factors: Health, easy schedule, but divisional losses. X Sentiment: Optimism for a bounce-back, though some worry about Shanahan’s clutch performance.
Seattle Seahawks: Scrappy but Limited
Projected Win Total: 8-9
The Seattle Seahawks went 10-7 in 2024 but missed the playoffs, and their 2025 outlook is uncertain after an offseason overhaul. Gone are Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett, replaced by Sam Darnold, Cooper Kupp (via trade), and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The defense, a top unit late last year, remains a strength, but the offensive line is shaky, and Darnold’s inconsistency could hinder progress. Personally, I can’t wait to see verse and company show Darnold that last years playoff win against the Vikings was no fluke. He will always be hearing footsteps or Ghosts that aren’t there.
Seattle’s schedule offers winnable games against the Giants, Patriots, and Cardinals, but divisional matchups and a tough road game at Los Angeles loom large. The SportsLine Model projects 8.5 wins, with +600 odds for a division upset. Eight wins is more likely, as Darnold struggles in high-pressure games, leaving the Seahawks on the playoff bubble.
Key Factors: Defensive grit, Darnold’s play, and O-line woes. X Sentiment: Fans are split, with some intrigued by the new offense and others doubting Darnold.
Arizona Cardinals: Still Building
Projected Win Total: 7-10
The Arizona Cardinals showed flashes in 2024, starting 6-4 before fading to 8-9. Jonathan Gannon’s defense improved with offseason additions, but Kyler Murray’s inconsistent play and Marvin Harrison Jr.’s lackluster rookie year raise concerns. The offensive line, while returning key starters, needs to mesh to protect Murray.
Arizona’s schedule includes soft spots against the NFC South and AFC South, but road games against Baltimore, Cincinnati, and San Francisco will be brutal. The SportsLine Model sees value at +600 odds for a division longshot but projects 7.5 wins. Seven wins feels realistic, as the Cardinals struggle against a stacked NFC West, finishing last despite a scrappy effort. Best hope for the Cardinals for the long term future is to trade Murray away.
Key Factors: Murray’s health, defensive growth, and offensive inconsistency. X Sentiment: Hope for a fast start, but fans brace for a tough divisional slog.
Division Outlook and Final Standings
The NFC West is a gauntlet in 2025, with the Rams leading the pack thanks to McVay’s coaching and offensive firepower. The 49ers are close behind, but key losses in divisional play keep them in second. The Seahawks and Cardinals, while competitive, lack the consistency to challenge for the top. The division could still send two teams to the playoffs, with the Rams and 49ers as the likeliest candidates.
Predicted Standings:
- Los Angeles Rams (12-5) – Division Winners
- San Francisco 49ers (10-7) – Wildcard Contender
- Seattle Seahawks (8-9) – Middle of the Pack
- Arizona Cardinals (7-10) – Last Place
Why the NFC West Stays Elite
The NFC West’s blend of coaching brilliance (McVay, Shanahan), veteran quarterbacks (Stafford, Purdy), and emerging stars (Murray, Nacua) makes it a must-watch division. Divisional games, especially Rams-49ers in Weeks 17 and 18, will decide the race. The Rams’ ability to handle their tough schedule and the 49ers’ push for redemption will keep fans glued to the action.
For bettors, the Rams at +200 to win the division are a solid pick, while the 49ers at +140 remain a safe bet. The Seahawks and Cardinals at +600 offer longshot appeal, but the under on Arizona’s 8.5 wins looks tempting. As the 2025 season unfolds, the NFC West will once again prove why it’s one of the NFL’s toughest divisions.
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