The NFC West enters the 2026 NFL season as arguably the most competitive division in professional football. The Seattle Seahawks are the defending Super Bowl champions following their 2025 title, and the Los Angeles Rams — who added defensive end Myles Garrett in a blockbuster trade — are among the most discussed contenders in the NFC. The San Francisco 49ers, despite injury challenges, retain the foundational talent to compete at the highest level, while the Arizona Cardinals represent the division’s wildcard with a developing roster under their coaching staff.
CBS Sports analyst Jordan Dajani projected the division’s win totals, suggesting the Rams and 49ers are most likely to surpass their projected win totals while the Cardinals face the steepest path to relevance. The Seahawks must navigate the transition from championship run to title defense — a challenge that historically trips up even the best-run organizations. With four teams capable of double-digit wins on paper, the NFC West is expected to produce multiple playoff-caliber teams and several of the season’s most compelling divisional matchups.
Source: CBS Sports – June 2026
