We are counting down the days until the start of the 2024 NFL Season as training camps start later this month. There were some major switch ups this offseason regarding big names moving to new teams and legendary coaches – Bill Belichick and Pete Carroll – being relieved of their duties. On top of that, tons of franchise players were taken in the draft. Let’s get caught up with our 2024 NFC West preview.
Last Year
From start to finish, the San Francisco 49ers owned the NFC West. They went 5-1 in division play a year ago, losing in the final week of the regular season to the Rams as they rested all their starters. Brock Purdy emerged as a legit guy and the offense exploded with Christian McCaffrey. But a late-game lead was blown to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl and that was that. The Rams were supposed to be in a rebuilding year, but they had a breakout year from receiver Puka Nacua and he led them into the postseason which ended in Detroit. Seattle was an average team and average isn’t good enough as they dumped Pete Carroll and will start a new era in Seattle with head coach Mike Macdonald. The Cardinals were the worst of the worst, lucky to even win a few games. They earned themselves the number three overall pick, but the questions loom as to whether or not Kyle Murray is the guy.
Favorite to win in 2024
The nod goes to San Francisco. You could make a case that the Niners window will be closing after this season as it will be hard to pay all the guys they have as they get ready to give Brock Purdy a major payday. What we know is their offense is stacked and they still have their defensive core intact. The Rams are right behind them if they can keep Matthew Stafford healthy and on the field. Jimmy G is the backup now in LA and we saw how that went in Vegas.
Offensive Player to Watch: Christian McCaffrey
I’d make the argument that there was no more fun player to watch on offense in 2023 than Christian McCaffrey. When he had the ball in his hands, very special things happened and he became the heart and soul of the 49ers offense. The Niners go as CMC goes, and they need another Offensive Player of the Year season from him.
Defensive Player to Watch: Leonard Williams
The Hawks traded for Williams a season ago and he played so well they gave him a massive contract extension in the offseason. Williams now gets to play under a defensive mind in Macdonald and it will be fun to watch how he develops.
Prediction
I have San Francisco making another trip to the NFC Title Game. The Niners are hungry after falling short in yet another Super Bowl. They have a chance to cash in this season with the talent they employ. Record (12-5)