NFC West power rankings post-draft, post-NFL schedule release

One of the more exciting parts of the year for me as a NFL fan is the release of the schedule. I enjoy the Sherlock Holmes level of detective work to piece together as much of the schedule before it is officially released. Looking at that schedule for the first time also brings a true sense of optimism, arguably the most hopeful you’ll feel about your team at any point in the offseason.

The announcement of the 2025 NFL schedule also can play tricks on people’s vision of projections for how the season will unfold. Every good team’s schedule looks like 11 or 12 wins while the bad teams look like two four wins at best. The previous year’s team records, this year’s free agency, and draft additions can wildly change the fortunes of each team, for better or worse.

That’s why I wanted to give you my power rankings of the NFC West, and where I see the Seattle Seahawks standing, as we head into the second half of the offseason.

#4- Arizona Cardinals

In my opinion, the NFC West could be one of, if not the tightest division race we’ll see all year. This could mean that 4th place still has you within a few games of a playoff spot or division title, but someone has to end up in this position, and I believe that will be Arizona.

The Cardinals made an impressive jump in 2024, improving from 4-13 to 8-9. At one point the Cardinals were 6-4 under coach Gannon, and in first place in the West. A brutal 2-5 finish, including ugly losses to the Seahawks, Panthers and Rams, left what was actually a promising season with a bitter ending.

The Cardinals had a pretty solid draft and free agency, where they added former Eagles pass rusher Josh Sweat and drafted Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen III to really beef up their D-line, but I still have my concerns about the offense. The O-line was better this year, and their offense finished 12th in scoring, but there just continues to be something off.

Kyler Murray is so talented, yet has such glaring flaws and you can always count on him to make three head scratching plays a game. Marvin Harrison Jr did not look much like the top pick we all assumed would be a day one star, although that could change in year two. Trey McBride is a star entering a contract year, but what does the running game look like if James Connor’s age and injuries catch up to him?

I think the Cardinals could be the best 4th place team in the NFL, but until I see this offense produce in November and December, I’m out.

#3 Los Angeles Rams

The reigning division champs, and the team that gave the Super Bowl Champion Eagles their toughest playoff battle, check in at third place in my 2025 power rankings? This may be one of my bolder takes of the year. I have the Rams taking a noticeable step back.

The Rams were arguably one of the luckiest division winners in recent memory. With an expected win/loss of 8-9, and sitting at 5-6 on Dec 1 after letting Saquan Barkley run up through and around Los Angeles, the Rams felt cooked. Instead, they pulled off five straight wins (including a wild upset over the Buffalo Bills) that coincided with Seattle’s 2-2 finish that allowed the Rams to clinch the West, even with a regular season finale loss to Seattle.

The Rams offense finished 20th in scoring offense and 17th in scoring defense. Despite significant injuries and roster turnover, give Sean McVay credit for keeping his team in the hunt, and getting hot at the end. Were they fortunate? Yes, but that’s what happens when you have championship pedigree coaches and players still on the roster, and you draft the best defensive player in the draft in Jared Verse.

This offseason saw some real concerning trends however. There was real smoke to the rumors of Matthew Stafford being traded. Cooper Kupp, the heart and soul of the franchise, was cut and joined a certain division rival. Their biggest offseason addition, Davante Adams, hasn’t been the same player since 2022, and while their draft netted them a golden ticket (2026 first round pick from the stupid Falcons), I thought they added very little impact to their 2025 roster.

This team got older, lost part of its soul, and will have to deal with a first place schedule in 2025. I think that while the defense probably keeps them in that seven to nine win range, their offense will struggle again this season, and luck will not look so kindly on them.

#2 Seattle Seahawks

Your Seahawks have a lot of questions and “what ifs” but there’s also a lot of momentum building for this ascending team. John Schneider and Mike Macdonald did not run it back with DK Metcalf and Geno Smith, instead creating present and future roster flexibility, some fascinating free agents to the roster, and as universally praised of a draft class in the history of Schneider’s run overseeing the Seahawks.

Seattle has created a clear path where they can win now, but also be set for the future. The defense under Macdonald should be the heart of the team. His defense finished 2024 ranked 11th in scoring defense, and would’ve easily been in the top 10 of the players didn’t take six weeks to get acclimated to the scheme. With the addition of DeMarcus Lawrence, and retention of all key pieces, it’s realistic to envision a second year jump that the Baltimore Ravens defense saw in year two under Mike. In his three seasons with Baltimore, the Ravens went from 19th in scoring defense, to 3rd and then 1st in 2023 (and one of the greatest DVOA rankings of all time). Don’t be surprised if the Seahawks have a top six defense this season.

Another reason that the defense could be legitimately Super Bowl good is if the offense isn’t a complete mess in 2025. If we’re being honest, the offense by Ryan Grubb and short yardage/red zone failures absolutely crushed a potential 12-win season in Seattle last year. While there is serious roster turnover, and the Sam Darnold question will likely decide their fate, I believe the combo of Darnold and new OC Klint Kubiak raised the floor of this offense to a wildcard expectation, with a real NFC Championship ceiling if Darnold, Kupp and an exciting draft class can all be considered hits.

#1 San Francisco 49ers

I feel like Tom Cruise in the trailer for his final Mission Impossible movie. I am choosing to trust in the 49ers, one last time.

The last two times they have lost the Super Bowl, injuries ravaged their roster, and they end up with a high draft pick and a fourth place schedule. While I thought their draft spamming of defensive lineman was odd, I do think there’s potential for Mykel Williams to reach his full potential in Santa Clara.

The roster should be fully healthy by the early part of the season, and the return of Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator is arguably the biggest under the radar additions for any team this offseason. A fourth place schedule, and one that includes both the AFC and NFC South is prime 49ers rebound territory.

The biggest question will be if the offense can get healthy enough for one last hurrah. What do George Kittle (and his new massive extension) and Trent Williams have left in the tank? Are the injuries to Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Ayuik too severe for them to be relied upon in 2025?

Unfortunately I have a sneaky suspicion that the 49ers will be healthy, and will be the Super Bowl threat we all dread. If they do, at least we all know how that story will end, thanks Mahomes.