NFC WEST: 2025 NFL Season Outlook

49ers 

San Francisco made the right call locking in Brock Purdy. Not only did they secure their guy, but they did it on a team-friendly deal—ranking him around seventh on the QB pay scale. That contract should age well. Still, this feels like a transitional year. The offense may sputter at times, especially with Christian McCaffrey coming off an injury-riddled season. If he’s healthy, they can be deceptively dangerous, but the wide receiver room is thin. Brandon Aiyuk is expected to miss at least six weeks while rehabbing from last year’s ACL tear. The Niners will need to get creative to stay competitive.

Seahawks 

Seattle looked poised to build on last season’s momentum—until they hit the reset button. Geno Smith is out, Sam Darnold is in. DK Metcalf is now in Pittsburgh, and Tyler Lockett has retired. This has all the markings of a rebuild. Darnold’s durability is a question mark, and the team may be quietly grooming second-round pick Jalen Milroe from Alabama as the future. If Darnold falters, don’t be surprised if Milroe gets a look sooner than expected.

Rams

The Rams are still in their Super Bowl window—but just barely. Matthew Stafford’s health looms large over their season outlook. They’ve got veteran insurance in Jimmy Garoppolo and second-year backup Stetson Bennett, who reportedly has strong support inside the building. Last year, they pushed the Eagles to the brink in the NFC Divisional round. Now, with Davante Adams added to the mix, expectations are high. But everything hinges on Stafford’s back—literally and figuratively.

Cardinals

Arizona quietly had one of the more active off seasons. They added the should have been Super Bowl MVP Josh Sweat to bolster the defensive line and brought in veteran Calais Campbell for leadership and depth. Kyler Murray, now another year removed from injury, showed flashes last season despite early media drama. The real intrigue lies with rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. Can he elevate this offense and become the WR1 they’ve lacked since Hopkins left? If so, the Cardinals could be more competitive than expected.