How the West is won could determine who lifts the Lombardi Trophy once again in 2027
By Matthew Serocki | July 8, 2026
The Seattle Seahawks shocked the NFL Universe by claiming the NFC’s top seed and winning Super Bowl LX over the New England Patriots. Mike McDonald’s defense smothered opposing offenses across all three levels. Seattle defeated division-rivals San Francisco (Divisional Round) and Los Angeles in the NFC Championship Game.
The Rams finished second, followed by the 49ers in third, and the Arizona Cardinals in the basement. Seattle will now try to pull off a difficult task of going to back-to-back Super Bowls. Can they win the division again and repeat as Champions? Here are predictions for the 2026 NFC West, from first to last place.
1. LOS ANGELES RAMS (DIVISION WINNER)
The Rams and Seahawks played three times last year, and each game was a nail-biter. Either team could have won, but Seattle won two of three contests, including the all-important Championship game. The first win was by a point (38-37) in overtime. The title game win was by four points (31-27). The Rams victory came after one of Sam Darnold’s worst games (4 interceptions) of the year.
Since the Rams were so close last year, they’ve become the favorite on paper to win it all in 2026. The odds increased even more by adding the best defensive player in the league, Myles Garrett, through a trade with the Browns. Los Angeles will be in the thick of things again, as the offense will continue to hum with Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua, and Davante Adams.
The secondary also added defensive backs Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. The last time the Rams went all out in the off-season, they acquired Matthew Stafford – and a Super Bowl victory. Two things that could derail optimism are injuries and depth. The depth is shallow behind the studs.
2. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Repeating as Super Bowl Champion is always difficult, especially for the great head coaches and quarterbacks. While McDonald joins the ranks of NFL Champions, his success came sooner than later. Darnold had a great season and may have shook the label of seeing ghosts, but he needs to repeat some of the success to completely shed the label.
If he doesn’t, then 2025 was the aberration. The defense should still remain one of the top five, and having Jaxson Smith-Njigba to throw to should keep Darnold from taking too many risks.
Losing Kenneth Walker to the Chiefs in free agency will hurt as the running game led the Seahawks to the Lombardi Trophy. The games with Los Angeles were too close last year, and could go in the Rams’ favor this year. Had they added a top-five defender or receiver, then the chances of a repeat would be greater.
3. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
credit: Alika Jenner/Getty Images
Few teams experienced the array of maladies in 2025 like the San Francisco 49ers. Detroit could boast the same, as both teams saw their chances dashed thanks to injuries across the team.
Linebacker Fred Warner missed 11 games, while defensive lineman Nick Bosa only played in three games. Having both back at full strength immediately improves the defense, and by extension, the offense. Brock Purdy is at his best when he doesn’t have to put the team on his back and take too many risks.
Now he gets to throw to future Hall-of-Famer Mike Evans. He’ll provide the offense with a vertical threat and red zone target. The wide receiver ranks were decimated last year, so his addition, and that of Christian Kirk, should hopefully take some of the load off Ricky Pearsall.
Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle will need to be managed to get the most out of both. Former Falcons’ head coach Raheem Morris takes over defensive play-calling duties as Robert Salah took the Titans’ head coaching job. Morris will rely on all three levels instead of having a dominant pass rush. If a few chips fall San Franciso’s way instead of for the Rams or Seahawks, they could win the division.
4. ARIZONA CARDINALS
The Cardinals may have some optimism with a new head coach and some key pieces on offense, but they’re not likely to change their fortunes. The other three teams are too far ahead and have been for a few years. The fact that the 49ers overcame so many injuries and still made it to the Divisional Round shows the disparity between organizations.
The offense will be the strength as Mike LaFleur will rely on Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride, and rookie running back Jeremiyah Love. They’ll need to because the defense will be on its back foot most weeks. The team could score a lot of points and still lose, but improving upon the three wins from 2025 will be difficult.
