1. Los Angeles Rams

The defense is playing at an elite level and if QB Matthew Stafford stays healthy they could be a force in the NFC.

2. San Francisco 49ers

If RB Christian McCaffrey is back to what he was for the 2023 season, they will be in contention for another Super Bowl.

3. Seattle Seahawks

Which version of QB Sam Darnold will they get? The one who lived up to his billing as a potential MVP candidate for parts of last season for Minnesota. Or the one who faltered in the last two games he played for them.

4. Arizona Cardinals

This will likely be the last hurrah for QB Kyler Murray in the desert if Arizona doesn’t make a significant playoff run this season.

Head Coach: Sean McVay

Key Position: Wide Receiver

Key Acquisitions: WR Davante Adams (NY Jets), DT Poona Ford (LA Chargers), LB Nate Landman (Atlanta Falcons)

Key Rookies: TE Terrance Ferguson, DE/LB Josaiah Stewart, RB Jarquez Hunter

Head Coach: Kyle Shanahan

Key Position: Running Back

Key Acquisitions: DE Bryce Huff (Philadelphia Eagles), QB Mac Jones (Jacksonville Jaguars), WR Skyy Moore (Kansas City Chiefs), DB Jason Pinnock (NY Giants), RB Brian Robinson Jr. (Washington Commanders)

Key Rookies: DE Mykel Williams, DT Alfred Collins, LB Nick Martin, CB Upton Stout, DT C.J. West

Head Coach: Mike McDonald

Key Position: Quarterback

Key Acquisitions: QB Sam Darnold (Minnesota Vikings), WR Cooper Kupp (LA Rams), DE DeMarcus Lawrence (Dallas Cowboys)

Key Rookies: OL Grey Zabel, DB Nick Emmanwori, TE Elijah Arroyo, QB Jalen Milroe

Head Coach: Jonathan Gannon

Key Position: Offense

Key Acquisitions: QB Jacoby Brissett (New England Patriots), DL Calais Campbell (Miami Dolphins), DE/LB Josh Sweat (Philadelphia Eagles), DL Dalvin Tomlinson (Cleveland Browns)

Key Rookies: DL Walter Nolen III, CB Will Johnson, DE/LB Jordan Burch