Get ready for the 2024 NFL season by checking out our betting guides. Today, we take a gander at the NFC West. Let's dive into the odds and win totals for each team before giving out our top pick!
Will the 49ers keep dominating this division on their way to a 2nd straight Super Bowl appearance? Can the Rams repeat last year's success by getting back to the playoffs? Let's answer these questions and more below!
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Division Odds: +1200 / Season Wins: 6.5
Arizona stumbled to a 4-13 record a season ago, but they were more competitive that a lot of folks realize. The Cards covered the point spread in 9 of their 17 games, but they were 0-6 straight up in games involving division rivals.
Kyler Murray missing half of the season due to injury was the main reason for Arizona's woes. Murray is finally healthy and he'll be dropping dimes to rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2024. The running game should once again be solid, as James Connor returns and former FSU star Trey Benson should be a nice change of pace runner on 3rd downs.
While the offense looks promising, the defense has a ton of holes. Arizona ranked just 29th in yards per pass allowed a season ago. They weren't better against the run either (28th in yards per rush allowed).
The Cards did well in the draft, but I think this D will still struggle at times. With a roaring offense and subpar defense, I'll be looking to play the Over in lots of Arizona games this season.
Division Odds: +350 / Season Wins: 8.5
The Rams surprised a lot of people by making the playoffs in 2024. Matt Stafford only missed 2 games and he threw for almost 4,000 yards to lead a well-oiled offense. This unit should once again be stellar, especially with guys like Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp catching passes.
Don't sleep on this Rams rushing attack either! Kyren Williams isn't a bad back and bringing in Blake Corum from Michigan gives this team some much-needed punch in goal line situations.
As for the defense, it's impossible to replace a future Hall of Famer like Aaron Donald, who opted to retire. The Rams were smart to spend both a first and a second round draft pick on pass rushers (Jared Verse and Braden Fiske). Those two rookies will contribute mightily, but I still see this as a middle of the road type of defense.
Division Odds: -210 / Season Wins: 11.5
The Niners won 12 games a year ago, and came a whisker away from winning the Super Bowl. That fellow named Mahomes just keeps tripping up other teams. Luckily for San Fran fans, all of the core pieces are back.
The offense shouldn't look much different. Brock Purdy put together another solid season and Christian McCaffrey continues to be the best all-around RB in the game. Deebo Samuel and Brandon Auyik have griped about their contracts, but they'll be back for at least one more title run in 2024.
The defense should be even better than last year, especially if the main cogs can stay healthy. I love that they brought in a solid pass rusher like Leonard Floyd to help Nick Bosa put pressure on opposing QBs.
Division Odds: +750 / Season Wins: 7.5
The Pete Carroll era is officially over and 36-year-old Mike Macdonald is now the main man in Seattle. The former Ravens DC has an impressive resume, but many wonder if he's truly ready to be an NFL head coach.
The Hawks offense should be the strong point of this season, especially with Geno Smith getting to throw to 3 solid targets in DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The RB duo of Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet is also formidable.
The main issue with Seattle is their defense. They allowed 6.8 yards per pass in 2023, which ranked an unimpressive 24th. They also couldn't stop the run to save their lives either. With a new head coach and a ton of holes to fill on D, I'll make Seattle Under 7.5 wins as my best bet for the NFC West.