NFL Team Football Schedule & Predictions 2014: Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers to Fight for NFC West Supremacy [Poll]
The NFC West is widely considered the best division in the National Football League. The last two seasons we've witnessed a team from this division represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. The defensive play in the NFC West is by far better than any other division.
The four NFC West teams will battle it out once again this year, so here we will compare, preview and breakdown all four teams.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks will be the favorites to win the division this season. They did win last year's Super Bowl by blowing out Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. The Legion of Boom defense packs a powerful punch. Richard Sherman and Byron Maxwell are both lockdown corners, and they are paired with safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas. Russell Wilson is also a very underrated quarterback who has thrown 52 touchdowns and just 19 interceptions in his young career.
With the best defensive team in league, there's no reason to believe the Seahawks can't repeat as division champs. They are going to need running back Marshawn Lynch to continue to play like a top five back.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have made it to the last three NFC Championship games. They always seem to lose by the slimmest of margins. Last year, they lost to the Seahawks after Colin Kaepernick turned the ball over three times in the fourth quarter. This team still has a great defense and a lot of playoff experience. Jim Harbaugh has been one of the best coaches since entering the league.
The 49ers have had a lot of injuries and suspensions this offseason. Most notably to NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith. The 49ers haven't shown they can handle the 12th man in Seattle, so getting home-field advantage is a must.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have a terrific young defense. They've spent many of their previous drafts and offseasons focusing on the defensive side of the football. Patrick Peterson is one of the most feared defenders in the league, and he will be playing alongside Tyrann Mathieu and Antonio Cromartie. Larry Fitzgerald is still an elite wide receiver who can make incredible catches.
Unfortunately, Darnell Dockett recently tore his ACL, consequently ending his 2014 season. The Cardinals also don't have a great running game, thus putting a lot pressure on quarterback Carson Palmer, who threw 24 touchdowns and a career high 22 interceptions last year.
Saint Louis Rams
Former No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford is a hit or miss. In 2010, he played all 16 games, but in 2011, he played just 10 games. In 2012, luckily he played all 16 games, but last year he played just seven games. If the ongoing trend continues, Bradford will play the entire 2014 season. The Rams also have an underrated defense, which ranked No. 7 in the NFC last season.
The Rams still don't have a great offense. Their running game is below average, and last season they didn't have a single receiver with even 700 yards. Tavon Austin needs to step it up this year, as he was the No. 8 overall draft pick.
Feel free to vote in our poll below and tell us who you think is going to win the NFC West
For the latest sports news, follow Latin Post Sports on Twitter.
FOR MORE NFL NEWS, TRADE AND FREE AGENCY UPDATES, CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VISIT LATIN POST.COM'S SPORTS PAGE.