NFC West Preview

The 2010 NFL season is one week away and it's time for the first annual Zach Jevne NFL Preview. Each division broken down with projected records and a few notes.

I begin with what could be described as the worst division in the NFL:

NFC WEST

SAN FRANCISCO  9-7

NFC West Champs

The Niners defense will carry Mike Singletary's squad to the division title for the first time since 2002. The front seven is one of the best in the league, despite not having any household names on the defensive line. We all know how great Patrick Willis is at linebacker but the play from DE Justin Smith and nose tackles Aubrayo Franklin and Ricky Jean-Francois is what allows Willis and the rest to make so many plays. The pass rush will be heavy and constant from this bunch, making it very challenging on opposing quarterbacks. They will also be very tough to run the ball against.

The question marks mostly lie on offense, as it's hard to trust Alex Smith to lead a team to the playoffs. Smith has shown improvement since being the No. 1 overall pick in 2004, but it's been slow. At least this year he doesn't have to deal with a new system, a first since becoming a starter.

With its tough defense, San Francisco will try to establish the run game, which will fall on a young offensive line and an aging Frank Gore. San Fran used two first-round picks on big offensive lineman, Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati. Improving O-line play was critical, as the 49ers have given up more sacks (150) in the last three years than anyone.

Frank Gore is coming off his fourth-straight 1000-yard season and looks for more of the same, but in his seventh year, is on the down slide of his career. The receiving corps added Ted Ginn, Jr and look for big things out of Michael Crabtree this year. Keep your eye on Josh Morgan - a player who may break-out this season. Vernon Davis returns as one of the top TEs in the league and will provide security to Smith each game.

ARIZONA 8-8

The loss of Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin and some defensive playmakers, will keep the Cardinals out of the playoffs this year. Still a solid team, with playoff pedigree and good coaching staff, the Cards won't be able to overcome its personnel losses.

Is Leinart the guy in AZ?

The quarterback struggle has already begun with newly-acquired Derek Anderson finishing the preseason as the starter and incumbent Matt Leinart voicing his frustration. Neither are Kurt Warner but Anderson has proved to be capable of being a Pro Bowl player, albeit once three years ago. This QB battle will rage on all year.

Although Larry Fitzgerald is an elite receiver, losing a tough, possession receiver like Boldin will hurt Fitzgerald, and whoever is taking the snaps. Alan Fanaca was a nice pick-up on the offensive line.

The defense is anchored by Pro Bowl tackle Darnell Dockett, who just signed a four-year extension worth $48 million. Dockett is one of the top interior defensive lineman and provides leadership on that side of the ball. Arizona lost LB Karlos Dansby to Miami and S Antrel Rolle to the Giants and attempted to replace them with Joey Porter and Kerry Rhodes, two cast-offs from last year.

The Cardinals will be able to compete but not well enough to make a third consecutive playoff run.

SEATTLE  6-10

May be rocky at times this year.

The Pete Carroll era is under way but don't expect USC-type success in year one. The Seahawks have plenty of work to do in a new system with a turned-over roster.

Matt Hasselbeck will be dealing with the majority of the pressure on the field. He looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2009 season, where he threw 17 interceptions. Wins and losses will be directly related to his decision-making and execution under a new coach and coordinator. You have to wonder if Hasselbeck's time is coming to an end - Seattle made an investment in third-string QB Charlie Whitehurst in the off-season.

Seattle's draft hopes to produce with two first-rounders that look to make an immediate impact. OT Russell Okung and S Earl Thomas have potential to be very nice players but must learn quickly. Leon Washington is a nice addition if he can bounce back from a season-ending broken leg last year.

The strength on defense is with the linebackers. Aaron Curry is showing decent promise and Lofa Tatupa is hoping to return to his Pro Bowl status after missing the majority of last year. However, the defensive line and secondary may put too much pressure on the linebacking corps. Sack leader Patrick Kearney retired and Carroll hopes ex-Eagle Chris Clemons can pick up some slack.

An up-and-down year is expected from Seattle, as Pete Carroll gets back into the NFL game.

ST. LOUIS 2-14

Best action on the Rams' field

Top-pick Sam Bradford and second-year coach Steve Spagnuolo will be in for a long year.

The Rams don't have the players in place yet to compete consistently. The rebuilding process will continue as St. Louis will struggle to stay above water for the second year in a row. While Spagnuolo is a defensive-minded coach, the Rams don't have the horses on that side of the ball yet and will be forced to play from behind much of the time. This will provide opposing defenses more opportunities to hit the $78 million rookie, who has a history of being less than durable taking hits.

The highly-anticipated maturation of Sam Bradford is the only intriguing thing about this team, and Steven Jackson, who began to wear down at the end of last year after years of being the only threat.

Up next: AFC West