The NFC West has consistently been one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. From the San Francisco 49ers’ playoff runs to the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl pedigree, and even the Seahawks’ and Cardinals’ ability to pull off upsets, this division always delivers drama. Heading into the 2025 season, the NFC West once again looks top-heavy, with two legitimate Super Bowl contenders leading the way. Let’s break down what to expect this year and where each team is projected to finish.
Los Angeles Rams: 13–4
The Rams enter the season with one of the most balanced rosters in football. Sean McVay continues to prove he’s among the league’s brightest coaches, and Matthew Stafford remains a steady veteran presence under center. The big addition this year is wide receiver Davante Adams. Pairing Adams with breakout star Puka Nacua gives Stafford two elite weapons who can attack defenses at every level.
Defensively, the Rams are in transition after Aaron Donald’s retirement in 2024, but they aren’t without talent. Young pass rushers like Byron Young and Kobie Turner are expected to step up, while the secondary continues to grow into its own. With McVay’s system and the offensive firepower they now boast, the Rams are primed for a 13–4 season and a deep playoff push.
San Francisco 49ers: 13–4
Right alongside the Rams, the 49ers are still one of the NFL’s most complete teams. Kyle Shanahan has built an offensive machine, and quarterback Brock Purdy has proven he’s the right man to run it. Christian McCaffrey is still the centerpiece, capable of breaking open games as both a runner and receiver. Even after losing Deebo Samuel to Washington, San Francisco still has Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle as reliable weapons.
The defense remains one of the best in football, anchored by Nick Bosa and a deep front seven. The 49ers can dominate in the trenches on both sides of the ball, which makes them a nightmare for opponents. With a favorable schedule and a roster full of playmakers, San Francisco matches Los Angeles at 13–4. This division race could easily come down to head-to-head tiebreakers, with both teams looking like legitimate NFC Championship contenders.
Seattle Seahawks: 8–9
The Seahawks are in the middle of a transition period. Gone are the days of Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett. In their place, Seattle is turning to a new identity built around Cooper Kupp, who returns home to the Pacific Northwest to anchor the passing game. His presence, along with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, gives Seattle a capable receiving duo, though they’ll need to develop chemistry with their new-look quarterback room.
Defensively, linebacker Tyrice Knight is a name to watch. He’s shown flashes of being a future leader for this unit, and under new head coach Mike Macdonald, the defense should play with more discipline and toughness. Still, in a division dominated by the Rams and 49ers, Seattle doesn’t quite have the roster to compete over 17 games. An 8–9 finish feels realistic—a scrappy team that can pull off an upset or two but lacks the depth to contend at the top.
Arizona Cardinals: 7–10
The Cardinals are also in rebuilding mode, but they remain dangerous thanks to Kyler Murray. When healthy, Murray is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in football, capable of extending plays and creating magic out of nothing. Arizona has invested in youth, and one standout is cornerback Max Melton, who looks like he could be a cornerstone for the defense moving forward.
That said, Arizona is still a year or two away from truly competing. Their roster has holes on both sides of the ball, and while they’ll fight hard under head coach Jonathan Gannon, they don’t yet have the consistency or depth to handle the Rams and 49ers. A 7–10 record is likely, but with young talent emerging, the Cardinals could be laying the groundwork for future success.
Final Outlook
The NFC West in 2025 is a tale of two tiers. At the top, the Rams and 49ers are legitimate Super Bowl contenders, both projected to finish at 13–4. Their matchups will likely decide the division and could even shape the playoff picture in the NFC. Meanwhile, the Seahawks and Cardinals are both in rebuilding phases, showing flashes of potential but ultimately finishing with losing records.
Projected Standings:
Los Angeles Rams: 13–4
San Francisco 49ers: 13–4
Seattle Seahawks: 8–9
Arizona Cardinals: 7–10
The NFC West is once again one of the most entertaining divisions in football. Whether it’s the Rams and Niners battling for supremacy or the Seahawks and Cardinals trying to play spoiler, fans can expect plenty of fireworks in 2025.