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| (photo credit: sportsrants.com) |
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals enter the 2016 season with an offense that is relatively unchanged from the unit that led the entire league in total yards last season, and was second in points scored. Carson Palmer, David Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown and Michael Floyd should all make significant contributions again for a team that has weapons in droves. Defensively, Calais Campbell and Frostee Rucker (DT), Patrick Peterson (CB) and Tyrann Mathieu (S) are all among the best across the league at their positions. Top-7 in points against and yards against and second in turnovers forced, the defense is overshadowed by the prolific offense, but no less a significant part of the team's sucess.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks come into 2016 as a formidable unit, though plagued by offseason stories. Marshawn "Beastmode" Lynch retired after an injury-riddled season, Russell Wilson's life was threatened through the events of his marriage, and multiple high-profile holdouts created distraction after distraction for the team. With all that in mind, the defense still allowed the fewest yards and second-fewest points in the league last season. Cliff Avril, Bobby Wagner, and Bruce Irvin are a formidable linebacking presence, while Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Cam Chancellor are as physically imposing and demanding secondary, attitudes and quotes aside.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are back in Los Angeles and could not be happier about it. What they would like to be joyous about is a more consistent offensive effort to take the pressure off of a young, talented defense. The future of the franchise lies on the sturdy shoulders of Jared Goff, number-one overall pick in the 2016 draft, and Todd Gurley, Offensive Rookie of the Year last season. Casey Keenum is slotted to start the season at quarterback, albeit merely grooming the way for Goff. Gurley had times where he looked like he could be the best running back in the league. He will be looking to prove that true without a reasonable doubt during the season.
San Francisco 49ers
The severe drop off from a Super Bowl appearance just four years ago has been a steady one for the San Francisco franchise. Their Pro Bowl, MVP-worthy quarterback Colin Kaepernick has downgraded to splitting reps with Blaine Gabbert, a player who couldn't hack it in Jacksonville of all places, and who has 33 career touchdowns with 31 career interceptions during his 8-27 career record. Running back Carlos Hyde surfaced to much hype, but remove the 168 yards he gained in his first career game and he has accumulated just 635 yards and five touchdowns in his other 20 games in the NFL. Until they receive more production in the backfield, and discover and consistent threat under center, the downward spiral will continue.
Projected Standings:
Arizona 12-4
Seattle 10-6
Los Angeles 7-9
San Francisco 4-12
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