TEAM predictions
Division Winner
San Francisco - 12-5
2024 Power Rank: 2nd 2023 DVOA: 2nd 2024 Schedule: 18th
What does QB Purdy have to do to get credit? He was #1 in QBR, #2 in RTG, 5th in yards, 4th in compl. %, 31-11 TD/int ratio. If they sign Aiyuk, they have top shelf weapons given McCaffrey, Samuel and Kittle. The 24th PFF ranked o-line is worsening & T Williams is 35. On D the secondary has soft spots but the premium front-7 is perhaps the best in the NFL. This team is well coached and is the Vegas NFC favorite. Team Super Bowl repeat trip rate - 13%, we favor the Eagles & Lions in 2024.
2nd Place Finish
Los Angeles - 9-8
2024 Power Rank: 14th 2023 DVOA: 17th 2024 Schedule: 17th
Rookie fenoms RB Williams (3rd in rush yards, 4th in YPR (5.0), 12 TD's) & WR Nacua (top 10 in rec. & yards) exploded. QB Stafford & WR Kupp complete the offense behind an average line. Top league defensive player DT Donald has retired but '23 rookies Turner & Young were brilliant & must save this 22nd ranked defense in DVOA. We like the Rams as a 30-1 Super Bowl longshot given the quality coaching.
3rd Place Finish
Seattle -8-9
2024 Power Rank: 21st 2023 DVOA: 16th 2024 Schedule: 15th
Rookie coach Macdonald has offensive weapons with top-end backs & receivers. But the offensive line gets a 31st rating from PFF where 3 drafted linemen must perform. QB Smith regressed after a stellar '22. After missing the playoffs by 1 game in '23, the defense must improve from 28th in DVOA. Quality d-linemen Williams, Reed & top pick Murphy II are expected to fix a porous run D. The secondary has some quality pieces. We are luke warm but expect the new coach might motivate players after the firing of the stale stallwart Pete Carroll.
4th Place Finish
Arizona - 7-10
2024 Power Rank: 28th 2023 DVOA: 29th 2024 Schedule: 16th
11-34 in their last 45 games, the Cards were better when QB Murray returned week 10. New coach Gannon had them fiesty in many games. A 12-player "A" graded draft haul should help centered around 1st rounders WR Harrison & pass rusher Robinson. Harrison should flourish if the 26th PFF ranked o-line improves. Gannon's defensive coach skills are needed for this star starved 32nd ranked defense in '23.