Last season with new coach Jim Harbaugh, the 49ers returned to the playoffs. A clutch win over the Saints put them in the NFC title game, where the NY Giants prevailed in Overtime. This division is basically a two team race from the outset, between San Francisco and Seattle. Most experts have settled on the 49ers, I am not going to buck that trend, but I could see the Seahawks winning the division.

The Niners have to get a solid season out of Alex Smith, who probably has a bit of a chip on his shoulder as the team expressed an interest in Peyton Manning, Smith is a solid quarterback who will keep the team in a good position to win. Frank Gore needs to stay healthy and put up numbers. Smith needs to get the most out of Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis, and new to the team Randy Moss. Moss is returning to the NFL after a year off.

The Niners played without a target on them last season. This year they have that added pressure, 10-6.

Seattle missed the playoffs last season, after making it the previous season. Pete Carroll has been a good coach in his return to the NFL. I was not sure that he was the best hire for the Seahawks at the time, but he has proven that he can win in this league. The Seahawks come into the season with a large question at quarterback. Russell Wilson has the job for now and will try to cement his status. Matt Flynn waits in the wings for now. This team has a chance only because of the disaster that is the NFC West. But if they can split with the Niners and win all of their winnable games – anything can happen, 9-7.

The St. Louis Rams brought Jeff Fisher on board as coach. The Rams have not had the success they enjoyed previously. Maybe its time for them to start scouting stockers at Hy-Vee in search of the next Kurt Warner. Sam Bradford has not stayed healthy to show his true talent. Steven Jackson continues to pile up yardage as the Rams best player, but teams are not built around aging running backs. Fisher’s defensive knowledge and attacking style should pay some dividends immediately, perhaps giving the offense more possession time and field position. Not sold on this team and this season could be very frustrating at times, 5-11.

“And later that night when ‘is lights went outta sight came the wreck of the Larry Fitzgerald.” sorry bad pun there, but then again this is the Arizona Cardinals. Hard to believe that this team is only a few years removed from a title game appearance. Of course they also used the talents of a golden armed Hy-Vee stocker named Kurt Warner. Larry Fitzgerald is arguably the best receiver in the NFL. His only problem is that he has no one to throw him the ball. John Skelton won the starting job. Kevin Kolb will see action this season as well. Next year maybe the big ‘Fitz will have Matt Barkley throwing him the ball, 2-14.