The obvious could be the 49ers winning the division without a fight. However, the quarterback question lingers for Niner Nation and the NFL world. The Seahawks sees that as an opportunity, but the Rams could spoil Seattle’s opportunity while the Cardinals watch from their bird cage without Murray for most of the season.

NFC WEST

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

The 49ers have everything to return to the NFC Conference Championship and take one more shot at a Super Bowl. Out of the entire roster, the quarterback and kicker are main concerns. The quarterback position may not be as bad, but health and protection are very vital to their organization. New kicker Jake Moody was welcomed with open arms by fans and team alike. Unfortunately, his early inconsistences (fair enough as a rookie) and injury along with Zane Gonzalez’s injury puts special teams in a tough spot. Defense doesn’t need an introduction because they will be a monstrosity again. Once Nick Bosa signs his contract, they will be a force stronger than Hurricane Hilary. With the quarterback in question, it’s difficult to tell where the wins and losses will come from. As long as there’s an active one (or three), they have weapons across the board to do the dirty work. If injuries become an early issue, the early losses could add up before the bye, and teams like Seattle could steal the division.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

The Seahawks will be at their best with young players gaining more experience. Geno Smith looks to repeat and take Seattle over the top. Drafting Jaxon Smith-Njigba adds depth to the receiver room, but he must stay healthy to take the pressure off Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. Defense should be a year improved in most areas, including the secondary. Depth will be an issue and so will handling a long season with a short bye week. They play the AFC North and NFC East and both divisions are no slouch. The Lions and Titans along with a short bye week after four games makes it challenging to repeat. Their playoff opportunity solely comes down to depth being a factor in a 17-game season.

LOS ANGELES RAMS

The Rams hope to return to form after a series of injuries, including Aaron Donald, Matt Stafford, and Cooper Kupp being the main victims. The majority of the roster returns with added pieces from the draft and free agency. Unfortunately, the defense lost Jalen Ramsey to Miami, but fellow Ram John Johnson III returns to Los Angeles after two seasons with Cleveland. The Rams are in a vulnerable position with players aging with less durability. Coach Sean McVay will find a way to get this team back on track. The schedule before the bye gives them little optimism for a playoff chase, but their ceiling could be a wild card if they can stay healthy, develop the younger roster, and defeat Seattle and/or San Fran.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

New coach Jonathan Gannon arrives at Arizona with the team in rebuilding mode for a season. What’s worse is that he’s without Kyler Murray for most of it. However, the Cardinals traded for Josh Dobbs, and he had brief success with Tennessee and was a journeyman for Pittsburgh and Cleveland. They do have James Conner, Hollywood Brown (when healthy), Zach Ertz, and potential on the offensive line. Defense can keep the game close, and despite trading Isaiah Simmons, they drafted BJ Ojulari as a replacement. He will team up with Kyzir White, Budda Baker, Marco Wilson, Jalen Thompson, and Zaven Collins. Arizona’s finishing last, but how far down overall? Josh Dobbs was brought in to serve as the starter until Murray is fully ready. Otherwise, the “Crumbling for Caleb” or “Diving for Drake” mumbling will come up. Yes, I know they have Kyler, but it’s been drama.