NFC West Teams Aim for Strong 2025-26 Season, Analysts Project Wins
The NFC West appears ready for another competitive season, with the 2025-26 conference finalists leading the charge, alongside a transitioning franchise and a promising rebuilding squad. On a recent episode of “Football 301,” Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice and Matt Harmon discussed their projected win totals for each team in the division, examining key roster positions and storylines that may influence their success this fall.
Here’s a summary of their win total projections for each team:
|
Team |
Tice’s win total |
Harmon’s win total |
O/U |
|
Seahawks |
12-5 |
10.5 |
|
|
Rams |
11-6 |
11-6 |
11.5 |
|
49ers |
>10.5 |
>10.5 |
10.5 |
|
Cardinals |
4-13 |
4-13 |
3.5 |
Seattle Seahawks
Win total predictions:
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The Super Bowl champions are retaining nearly their entire roster, featuring a formidable defensive front and an improving offense. Both analysts identified a solid opportunity for the Seahawks to defend their title in the NFC West. Tice emphasized the potential of second-year tight end Elijah Arroyo, while Harmon noted that the team has “just barely scratched the surface of Rashid Shahid’s potential.”
“They have enough to clinch the division title with a considerable gap to a Niners team that raises some concerns for me,” Harmon stated.
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Los Angeles Rams
Win total predictions:
Despite narrowly missing the Super Bowl last season, the Rams enter 2026 with a stronger lineup, aside from right tackle Rob Havenstein’s retirement. Head coach Sean McVay is preparing the offense for another championship bid, with both analysts regarding the Rams as one of the premier teams in the NFL.
“These two are the best teams, not only in the NFC but in the entire NFL,” Tice remarked.
San Francisco 49ers
Win total predictions:
-
Matt Harmon: >10.5 (projected 8-9 win range)
Years of maintaining a veteran squad now raise concerns, as both Tice and Harmon express doubts regarding the 49ers’ prospects. They mentioned uncertainties surrounding the team’s receiving core, the aging left tackle Trent Williams, and a potentially weakened defense. Harmon highlighted the signing of veteran wide receiver Mike Evans as a pivotal addition, with the expectation that he could excel in Kyle Shanahan’s system if he remains healthy. However, if injuries affect him, the receiver group may struggle significantly.
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“This team is at a crossroads,” Tice declared. “I have more reservations about the 2026 49ers than I anticipated.”
Win total predictions:
The Cardinals face a lower projected win total, but optimism exists. Analysts view them as potentially having the worst offense in the league but expressed curiosity about the team’s new head coach and play-caller Mike LaFleur. Under his leadership, the innovative run game and passing strategies may unleash the talents of players like Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Trey McBride, and Jerimiyah Love.
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“They have too much talent to be a complete disaster,” Tice noted. “They could manage a few wins and possibly outsmart some opponents with innovative strategies.”
For more NFL insights, catch the latest episodes of “Football 301″ on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
The NFC West looks primed for another strong season with both 2025-26 conference finalists at the top, a proud franchise wrestling with transition, and a plucky, talent-rich rebuilding squad. On the latest episode of “Football 301,” Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice and Matt Harmon laid out their win projections for each team and drilled deep into the roster spots and storylines that could swing the division this fall.
Below, we break down their projected win total picks for each squad:
|
Team |
Tice’s win total |
Harmon’s win total |
O/U |
|
Seahawks |
12-5 |
10.5 |
|
|
Rams |
11-6 |
11-6 |
11.5 |
|
49ers |
>10.5 |
>10.5 |
10.5 |
|
Cardinals |
4-13 |
4-13 |
3.5 |
Seattle Seahawks
Win total predictions:
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The reigning Super Bowl champions retain almost their entire core, from their dominant defensive front to a dynamic, steadily improving offense. Both hosts see a strong chance for a repeat run atop the NFC West. Tice highlighted second-year tight end Elijah Arroyo’s high ceiling, while Harmon feels the Seahawks have “just barely scratched the surface of Rashid Shahid’s potential.
“There’s enough there for them to sneak out the division title — then a pretty decent gap down to a Niners team that I’m a little concerned about,” Harmon said.
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Los Angeles Rams
Win total predictions:
The Rams just missed out on the Super Bowl last season but enter 2026 looking even more loaded, despite veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein’s retirement. With head coach Sean McVay gearing up the offense for another championship run, both hosts view L.A. as one of the NFL’s true elites.
“These are the two best teams, not just in the NFC, but in the NFL,” Tice said.
San Francisco 49ers
Win total predictions:
-
Matt Harmon: >10.5 (projected 8-9 win range)
After years of living on the razor’s edge with a veteran core, Tice and Harmon see the check-engine light blinking in Santa Clara. The receiver room overhaul, longtime left tackle Trent Williams’ mileage, and a now-questionable defense have them fearing the Niners’ floor as much as their ceiling. Harmon pointed to the addition of veteran wide receiver Mike Evans as the possible fulcrum for the offense — if healthy, he’s the perfect X in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. But if age and injuries catch up, the receiving corps could crater.
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“This team is a crossroads franchise,” Tice said. “I feel worse about the 2026 49ers than I ever expected to.”
Win total predictions:
Yes, the over/under is low — but there’s real reason for optimism. The Cardinals project as a league-worst offense by betting markets, but both hosts are “Cardinals curious.” They see untapped synergy between a revamped skill group and new head coach and offensive play-caller Mike LaFleur. Does his McVay-inspired run game and passing designs put the likes of Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Trey McBride and Jerimiyah Love in situations where their talents actually flourish?
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“There’s too much talent for them to be a complete disaster,” Tice said. “They’ll sneak a few wins, maybe confound a young QB with schematic funk.”
For more NFL insight, tune into “Football 301″ on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
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