Los Angeles Rams: Way-too-early NFC West standings prediction
By Hil Lopez
The NFC West is arguably the most compelling division in the NFL heading into 2020 and the Los Angeles Rams could finish anywhere from first to last.
Free agency period has been full effect and teams are making additions and releases. The NFC West may be the deepest division in the NFC at this point. Let’s take a look at each team in the NFC West and predict where they will place based on their roster free agency and roster construction.
1. San Francisco 49ers (Last year’s record: 13-3)
The 49ers represented the NFC in the Super Bowl and lost to the Chiefs 31-20. They will be looking to get back to the big game and avenge that loss. However, it will be very difficult as the NFC will be deeper than it ever has been. Luckily for the 49ers, their roster has been constructed well to be prepared for the gauntlet of games coming up this fall.
The 49ers made a great decision to re-sign defensive lineman Arik Armstead to a massive extension. Additionally, they gave tenders to restricted free agents Kendrick Bourne and running back Matt Breida.
However, they also made the difficult decision to trade away DeForest Buckner who was part of the 49ers massive front 4. Part of the reason to deal Buckner away was he was due a massive extension, and he would have taken up a massive amount of salary-cap space for the 49ers. Luckily, they were able to at least get a 1st round pick out of the trade from the Colts per ESPN.
Last year, the 49ers were one of the best rushing teams in the league as they ranked 2nd with 144.1 yards per game. This was due in part in a commitment to the ground game as they primarily rotated three backs the entire game: Tevin Coleman, Matt Breida, and Raheem Mostert. Each took their turn leading the backfield until Mostert took the reigns of the starting job toward the end of the season and in the playoffs.
Additionally, let’s not forget about the people’s tight end George Kittle as dubbed by “The Rock.” Kittle was all over the field as a blocker and as the leading pass catcher for the 49ers. He caught 85 passes for 1,053 yards and a team-leading 5 touchdowns.
His versatility for the 49ers offense caused major headaches for opposing defenses and will more than likely earn him a lucrative extension in the near future.
Furthermore, the 49ers had the 2nd best total defense in yards per game with only 281.8 yards per game allowed. They were also the best passing defense holding opponents to a league-low 169.2 yards per game average. This was due to the part they still have one of the best cornerbacks in Richard Sherman who can shut down one side of the field.
Their fearsome foursome of Buckner, Ford, Armstead, and Bosa up put massive pressure on opposing quarterbacks causing them to throw the ball away numerous times or do short dump-off passes. This resulted in less big plays downfield for the opposition. The 49ers also had rising star Fred Warner lead them with 118 tackles and 3 sacks.
Given that the 49ers have returned a majority of their players with the exception of Buckner, they have a good chance to once again represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. The 49ers have an elite defense and a ground and pound offense that will devastate opposing defenses. They may not match their 13-3 record like last year, but they will win the division with a 12-4 record.