NFC West 2025 Season Preview – A Data-Driven Look
The NFC West has been a rollercoaster over the last five seasons, with every team experiencing sharp peaks and valleys. San Francisco enters 2025 as the most complete roster despite a defensive dip last year, while Seattle and the Rams remain steady challengers. Arizona has begun climbing out of its slump but still has work to do.
This preview uses adjusted offense, defense, and power ratings from 2020–2024 to project where each team stands heading into 2025.
Division Overview (2020–2024)
San Francisco’s five-year trend shows steady offensive growth paired with a historically elite defense that stumbled in 2024. The Rams and Seahawks are both hovering just above average, with LA more volatile. Arizona has been rebuilding since bottoming out in 2022–2023.
Defensive Trends
San Francisco’s defense ranked among the NFL’s best from 2021–2023 before a steep decline in 2024 (-2.4). Seattle and LA both posted modestly positive ratings in 2024 after dips earlier in the decade. Arizona’s defense has improved dramatically since bottoming out at -4.0 in 2022 and 2023.
Offensive Trends
The 49ers have posted three straight years of positive offensive ratings, peaking at +6.4 in 2023 before dipping slightly last year. The Rams’ offense has swung wildly, from +4.5 in 2021 to -4.2 in 2022. Seattle has hovered around average with a slight downward trend. Arizona’s offense bottomed out in 2023 but rebounded last season.
Power Ratings
San Francisco’s overall ratings peaked in 2023 (103.8) but still lead the division in long-term consistency. The Rams rebounded after their 2022 collapse, and Seattle has stabilized in the low-101 range. Arizona jumped over 4 points from 2022 to 2024, signaling positive momentum.
Team-by-Team Data Analysis
San Francisco 49ers
Five-Year Offensive Trend: +0.3 → +1.0 → +3.0 → +6.4 → +0.7
Five-Year Defensive Trend: -0.3 → +3.2 → +5.0 → +3.8 → -2.4
2024 Rating: 99.0
The Niners’ defense collapsed last year after years of dominance, but their offense remains strong enough to keep them in the NFC contender mix. If the defense bounces back, they could reclaim the top spot.
Data Outlook for 2025:
Projected record: 9-8
Los Angeles Rams
Five-Year Offensive Trend: -0.5 → +4.5 → -4.2 → +1.1 → -0.2
Five-Year Defensive Trend: +5.6 → +2.0 → +0.3 → +1.0 → +1.4
2024 Rating: 101.6
The Rams’ offensive volatility is their biggest question mark, but their defense has been relatively stable. If they can stabilize offensively, they could push for the division.
Data Outlook for 2025:
Projected record: 9-8
Seattle Seahawks
Five-Year Offensive Trend: +4.8 → -1.0 → +2.2 → -1.1 → -0.5
Five-Year Defensive Trend: -0.4 → -0.1 → -3.0 → -1.3 → +1.4
2024 Rating: 101.5
Seattle has settled into the middle tier of NFC West play, with both offense and defense hovering near league average. If either unit takes a leap forward, they could be a playoff threat.
Data Outlook for 2025:
Projected record: 7-10
Arizona Cardinals
Five-Year Offensive Trend: +1.5 → +2.9 → -2.0 → -2.8 → +0.8
Five-Year Defensive Trend: +0.2 → +0.8 → -4.1 → -4.0 → +1.1
2024 Rating: 100.2
The Cardinals are showing signs of life after a brutal 2022–2023 stretch. Both offense and defense improved significantly in 2024. A .500 season isn’t out of the question.
Data Outlook for 2025:
Projected record: 7-10
Projected NFC West Standings (2025)
| Team | Offense (Avg) | Defense (Avg) | Rating (2024) | 2025 Projection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco 49ers | +2.28 | +1.86 | 99.0 | 9-8 (Division) |
| Los Angeles Rams | +0.14 | +1.86 | 101.6 | 9-8 |
| Seattle Seahawks | +1.08 | -0.46 | 101.5 | 7-10 |
| Arizona Cardinals | +0.08 | -1.20 | 100.2 | 7-10 |
Conclusion
The NFC West is San Francisco’s to lose if their defense rebounds. The Rams and Seahawks are both capable of taking advantage if the 49ers falter, while the Cardinals are trending upward but still likely a year away from true contention. This division is a pick’em this year. Any team can win the division. And any team can finish last.