ODDS TO WIN THE NFC West

Seattle won their 4th-straight division title last season with a 10-6 record and none of their rivals has been able to post a winning record during that stretch. Arizona improved to 8-8 but a 0-2 record vs. SF kept them from the playoffs. San Francisco started 2-0 but then endured an eight-game losing streak and finished a disappointing 5-11. St. Louis started 0-8 and were decimated by injuries and limped home with a 3-13 record.

The Seahawks underwent some dramatic changes on offense in the offseason and could start as many as six new players. The defense looks to be taking over as the strength of the team in this, Mike Holmgren's swan song. They also addressed their special teams woes in the draft.

The Cardinals looked to have turned the corner but still have some big questions on offense. Can Matt Leinart lead the offense? Can Anquan Boldin be a happy camper or will he be traded? Can the O-line improve and can the team get another year out of Edgerrin James? The defense needs to tighten up their pass defense for this group to challenge Seattle.

The Rams finally got Steven Jackson into camp and he was desperately needed as the first-team offense has struggled in the preseason. This club needs to stay healthy to have a chance and the defense has to make major strides. Drafting DE Chris Long could help but they need a lot more.

The 49ers are clearly in trouble. They have built a defense that is ascending but the offense needs work. J.T. O'Sullivan has the edge over Alex Smith under center, a sorry reflection on the former No.1 overall pick. Mike Martz is in charge of the offense but doesn't have nearly enough talent to make it work.

This is clearly a two-team race as Arizona is the only team equipped to take on Seattle. St. Louis and San Francisco will battle to stay out of the cellar. The Cards are clearly improving under Ken Whisenhunt but we don't think they have enough to dethrone the Seahawks.

Our Pick - Seattle Seahawks

NFC West Betting Lines

Seattle Seahawks 5-6
Arizona Cardinals 9-4
St. Louis Rams 11-2
San Francisco 49ers 6-1

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