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.

1. San Francisco 49ers

Salary cap hell is approaching and this will likely be the last year with this current group to finally cash in and win a Super Bowl title.

2. Los Angeles Rams

With a healthy QB Matthew Stafford and a healthy WR Cooper Kupp, they could push for a top spot for the Wild Card and maybe the division should the Niners falter.

3. Seattle Seahawks

A new regime is taking shape at the coaching ranks. Can the new look defense match what the offense can produce on a weekly basis?

4. Arizona Cardinals

I don’t see Arizona giving up on QB Kyler Murray should he falter or get hurt again this season, but time is running out on his worth in the desert.