Trevor Sikkema, an NFL analyst, teams up with prediction expert Dalton Wasserman to preview the NFC West for the upcoming season. They dive into the 49ers’ expectations, spotlighting players like Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk, while addressing concerns about pass protection. The duo discusses rookie Dominic Puni's impact on the offensive line and analyzes roster adjustments for the Rams. Additionally, they highlight the Seahawks' new offensive strategies and potential breakout stars, setting an exciting stage for the NFL season.
The San Francisco 49ers are predicted to win the NFC West with a strong 12-5 record, highlighting their depth and star players.
Matthew Stafford is expected to be the offensive MVP for the Los Angeles Rams, showcasing his leadership and impressive passing statistics.
The Arizona Cardinals face significant challenges with a projected 5-12 record, largely due to defensive concerns and team development issues.
Deep dives
NFC West Division Overview
The episode covers the final NFC West division preview, where the hosts discuss anticipated team performances for the upcoming NFL season. They predict the San Francisco 49ers will win the division with a record of 12-5, with major emphasis on the team's depth and star power, especially highlighting key players such as Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk. The Los Angeles Rams are expected to follow with a 10-7 record, managing to secure a wild card spot, while the Seattle Seahawks could end up slightly below playoff contention at 9-8. Lastly, the Arizona Cardinals are projected to struggle, finishing towards the bottom of the division with a 5-12 record due to concerns over their defense and overall team development.
San Francisco 49ers Key Players
Brandon Aiyuk is posited as the offensive MVP for the San Francisco 49ers due to his exceptional route running and ability to make big plays, ranking highly in various receiving metrics. The hosts note that a solid performance from Aiyuk could be crucial for the team's playoff aspirations. On the defensive side, the spotlight is on Fred Warner as a defensive MVP, highlighting his unparalleled combination of intelligence and physicality that makes him the heart of the team’s defense. There’s also significant discussion about the potential impact of Talanoa Hufanga, whose absence last season was markedly felt during the team's performance.
Los Angeles Rams Potential
Matthew Stafford is recognized as the offensive MVP for the Los Angeles Rams, being cited for his excellent passing statistics and leadership qualities. The team is expected to have a balanced offensive strategy, pairing Stafford’s passing with contributions from the running back corps, including Kyron Williams and Blake Corum. On the defense, the expectation leans towards Kobe Turner making a significant impact following a commendable rookie season, where he ranked highly in vital defensive metrics. Additionally, players like Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are highlighted as crucial components of a versatile offense, with the potential for a strong season ahead.
Seattle Seahawks Optimism
The Seattle Seahawks are viewed with cautious optimism as they have a promising mix of talent, featuring Geno Smith as their offensive MVP due to his deep passing capabilities and efficiency. They are expected to thrive under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who is set to enhance the vertical passing game. Defensively, Devin Witherspoon is anticipated to make a significant impact, being a versatile player capable of influencing games in various ways. Additionally, the growth of younger players like DK Metcalf and Jackson Smith-Njigba is seen as vital for the team’s offensive production moving forward.
Arizona Cardinals' Offensive Outlook
The Arizona Cardinals’ offensive expectations are rooted in the return and performance of quarterback Kyler Murray, who is crucial for elevating the team’s potential. The hosts discuss the dynamic offensive weapons at Murray’s disposal, including James Conner and rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., which creates a potentially high-scoring offense. Despite concerns over the defense, the offense is viewed with a positive outlook as Murray’s agility and playmaking ability could keep the team competitive in games. Furthermore, tight end Trey McBride is recognized as a significant asset, highlighted for his emerging skill set on the field.
Season Predictions and Conclusion
In evaluating their predictions for the NFC West, the hosts express excitement about the upcoming NFL season, emphasizing that any of these teams could surprise based on their performance throughout the season. The 49ers are touted as strong Super Bowl contenders, while the Rams and Seahawks could contend for wild card positions if they find their stride. The Cardinals are seen as a team in transition, potentially competing well in games but still needing to solidify their defense to truly contend. The overall conclusion reflects the anticipation of intriguing matchups within the division as the season progresses.
PFF's Trevor Sikkema and Dalton Wasserman preview the 2024 NFL Season and give their predictions on how each team will end up at the end of the season. This episode focuses on the NFC West!
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode