NFC West Division Preview

NFC West Team Previews

It’s NFC Week! More specifically, it’s NFC West Day. We’re going team-by-team through the NFC West, previewing the 2023 season for the Seahawks, 49ers, Rams, and Cardinals. We’ve got everything from personnel and coaching changes, depth charts, draft picks, schedules, fantasy football advice, and more.

Seattle Seahawks Team Preview

Team Info

Division:                                   NFC West
2022 Finish (Record):           2nd (9-8-0)

Head Coach:                          Pete Carroll
Offensive Coordinator:         Shane Waldron
Play Caller:                            Shane Waldron

 

2022 Top PPR Scorers and Tendencies

(Team Tendencies Source Data from NFELO)

Key Changes & Need to Know

• Geno Smith – Earned himself a new contract with his 2022 performance. This team is committed to him for at least the 2023 season, perhaps beyond
• Running Back Committee – Despite Kenneth Walker taking over the backfield in 2022, the Seahawks drafted another second round back in Zach Charbonnet

2023 Draft Picks

• 1.05 – Devon Witherspoon CB
• 1.20 – Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR
• 2.06 – Derick Hall EDGE
• 2.21 – Zach Charbonnet RB
• 4.06 – Anthony Bradford G
• 4.21 – Cameron Young DT
• 5.16 – Mike Morris DE
• 5.19 – Olu Oluwatimi C
• 6.21 – Jerrick Reed II SAF
• 7.20 – Kenny McIntosh RB

Free Agency

Notable New Players

• Evan Brown – Center

Notable Players who have left

• Gabe Jackson – Guard
• Travis Homer – Running Back
• Marquise Goodwin – Wide Receiver
• Rashaad Penny – Running Back

Top Ranked Players – 2023

• Kenneth Walker RB14
• DK Metcalf WR15
• Tyler Lockett WR29
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR48
• Geno Smith QB14
• Zach Charbonnet RB45

See The Complete Rankings Here

Positional Depth Charts

Quarterback

• Geno Smith
• Drew Lock

Position Rank: 14th

Running Back

• Kenneth Walker III
• Zach Charbonnet
• DeeJay Dallas
• Kenny McIntosh

Position Rank: 10th

Wide Receiver

• DK Metcalf
• Tyler Lockett
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba
• Dee Eskridge
• Dareke Young
• Cade Johnson

Position Rank: 2nd

Tight End

• Noah Fant
• Will Dissly
• Colby Parkinson
• Tyler Mabry

Position Rank: 24th

Offensive Line

• LT – Charles Cross
• LG – Damien Lewis
• C – Evan Brown
• RG – Phil Haynes
• RT – Abraham Lucas

Position Rank (PFF): 30th

2023 Projections

Projections Created Using The 2023 Projections Template

Fantasy Football Studs

• DK Metcalf

Fantasy Football Values

• Tyler Lockett
• Geno Smith
• Kenneth Walker
• Noah Fant

Fantasy Football Avoids

• None

Our Targets

• Tyler Lockett
• Kenneth Walker
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba

 

2023 Schedule

 

Week 1	v	Los Angeles Rams
Week 2	@	Detroit Lions
Week 3	v	Carolina Panthers
Week 4	@	New York Giants
Week 5	BYE
Week 6	@	Cincinnati Bengals
Week 7	v	Arizona Cardinals
Week 8	v	Cleveland Browns
Week 9	@	Baltimore Ravens
Week 10	v	Washington Commanders
Week 11	@	Los Angeles Rams
Week 12	v	San Francisco 49ers
Week 13	@	Dallas Cowboys
Week 14	@	San Francisco 49ers
Week 15	v	Philadelphia Eagles
Week 16	@	Tennessee Titans
Week 17	v	Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 18	@	Arizona Cardinals

Summary

The Seahawks shocked us all when they were a competent offense last season after trading away Russell Wilson and rolling out Geno Smith as their starting quarterback. Smith had the best season of his career and helped propel both DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett to productive fantasy seasons. Now, they’ve added stud rookie wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to the mix. JSN will make an immediate impact on this offense and in fantasy football. He had a historically productive season at Ohio State while playing alongside Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson and there’s no reason to think he can’t do well despite the presence of Metcalf and Lockett. With a running back tandem of Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet, plus an improving offensive line, the Seahawks will again roll out one of the better offenses in the NFL. As long as Smith doesn’t turn back into a pumpkin, the Seahawks have a real chance at winning the NFC West title.

Overall Team Rank: 4th

Projected NFC West Finish: 1st

San Francisco 49ers Team Preview

Team Info

Division:                                   NFC West
2022 Finish (Record):           1st (13-4-0)

Head Coach:                          Kyle Shanahan
Offensive Coordinator:         N/A
Play Caller:                            Kyle Shanahan

 

2022 Top PPR Scorers and Team Tendencies

(Team Tendencies Source Data from NFELO)

Key Changes & Need to Know

• Quarterback – The most unknown QB room in the league. Purdy tops the depth chart if he is fully recovered. How much they like Lance is unknown and Darnold has been talked up as the Purdy backup
• Deebo Samuel – Missed 4 games in 2022 in an injury-impacted career so far. His rushing cheat-code has been diminished since the McCaffrey signing

2023 Draft Picks

• 3.24 – Ji’Ayir Brown SAF
• 3.36 – Jake Moody K
• 3.38 – Cameron Latu TE
• 5.20 – Darrell Luter Jr. CB
• 5.38 – Robert Beal Jr. EDGE
• 6.39 – Dee Winters LB
• 7.30 – Brayden Willis TE
• 7.36 – Ronnie Bell WR
• 7.38 – Jalen Graham LB

Free Agency

Notable New Players

• Sam Darnold – Quarterback

Notable Players who have left

• Jimmy Garoppolo – Quarterback
• Mike McGlinchey – Offensive Tackle

Top Ranked Players – 2023

• Christian McCaffrey RB1
• Deebo Samuel WR20
• George Kittle TE4
• Brandon Aiyuk WR31
• Elijah Mitchell RB42
• Brock Burdy QB24

See The Complete Rankings Here

Positional Depth Charts

Quarterback

• Brock Purdy
• Sam Darnold
• Trey Lance
• Brandon Allen

Position Rank: 24th

Running Back

• Christian McCaffrey
• Elijah Mitchell
• Jordan Mason
• Tyrion Davis-Price
• Kyle Juszczyk (FB)

Position Rank: 3rd

Wide Receiver

• Deebo Samuel
• Brandon Aiyuk
• Jauan Jennings
• Danny Gray
• Ray-Ray McCloud III
• Chris Conley
• Ronnie Bell
• Willie Snead IV

Position Rank: 19th

Tight End

• George Kittle
• Cameron Latu
• Ross Dwelley
• Charlie Woerner
• Brayden Willis

Position Rank: 4th

Offensive Line

• LT – Trent Williams
• LG – Aaron Banks
• C – Jake Brendel
• RG – Spencer Burford
• RT – Colton McKivitz

Position Rank (PFF): 18th

2023 Projections

Projections Created Using The 2023 Projections Template

Fantasy Football Studs

• Christian McCaffrey
• George Kittle

Fantasy Football Values

• Elijah Mitchell
• Brandon Aiyuk

Fantasy Football Avoids

• None

Our Targets

• Christian McCaffrey
• Elijah Mitchell
• Brandon Aiyuk

 

2023 Schedule

 

Week 1	@	Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 2	@	Los Angeles Rams
Week 3	v	New York Giants
Week 4	v	Arizona Cardinals
Week 5	v	Dallas Cowboys
Week 6	@	Cleveland Browns
Week 7	@	Minnesota Vikings
Week 8	v	Cincinnati Bengals
Week 9	BYE
Week 10	@	Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 11	v	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 12	@	Seattle Seahawks
Week 13	@	Philadelphia Eagles
Week 14	v	Seattle Seahawks
Week 15	@	Arizona Cardinals
Week 16	v	Baltimore Ravens
Week 17	@	Washington Commanders
Week 18	v	Los Angeles Rams

Summary

The 49ers have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. Their only problem over the last several years has been getting enough out of the quarterback position. Now, they’re heading into the 2023 season with last year’s final pick of the draft as their starter. To be fair, Brock Purdy played very well when thrust into the starter’s chair at the end of the season and during the playoffs. However, there are still a lot of questions around him, particularly his health after offseason surgery on his throwing elbow. If Purdy can pick up where he left off, the 49ers will be in contention to repeat as NFC West champions. He’s certainly set up for success, given the talent around him.

Overall Team Rank: 14th

Projected NFC West Finish: 2nd

 

Arizona Cardinals Team Preview

Team Info

Division:                                   NFC West
2022 Finish (Record):           4th (4-13-0)

Head Coach:                          Jonathan Gannon *NEW*
Offensive Coordinator:        Drew Petzing *NEW*
Play Caller:                            Drew Petzing

Jonathan Gannon Last 3 Roles

• Philadelphia Eagles (2021-2022) Defensive Coordinator
• Indianapolis Colts (2018-2020) Cornerbacks Coach
• Minnesota Vikings (2014-2017) Assistant Defensive Backs Coach

Drew Petzing Last 3 Roles

• Cleveland Browns (2022) Quarterbacks Coach
• Cleveland Browns (2020-2021) Tight Ends Coach
• Minnesota Vikings (2019) Wide Receivers Coach

 

2022 Top PPR Scorers and Tendencies

(Team Tendencies Source Data from NFELO)

Key Changes & Need to Know

• New Head Coach – Jonathan Gannon, former Eagles Defensive Coordinator. Worked under Nick Siriani (Eagles), Frank Reich (Colts), and Mike Zimmer (Vikings)
• New Offensive Coordinator – Drew Petzing, former Cleveland Browns Quarterbacks Coach. Worked under Kevin Stefanski (Cleveland) and Mike Zimmer (Vikings)
• Kyler Murray Injury – suffered a torn ACL in December 2022, which is expected to impact his 2023 season

2023 Draft Picks

• 1.06 – Paris Johnson Jr. OT
• 2.10 – BJ Ojulari EDGE
• 3.03 – Sydney Brown DB
• 3.09 – Garrett Williams CB
• 3.31 – Michael Wilson WR
• 4.20 – Jon Gaines II G
• 5.04 – Clayton Tune QB
• 5.33 – Owen Pappoe LB
• 6.03 – Kei’Trel Clark CB
• 6.36 – Dante Stills DT

Free Agency

Notable New Players

• Zach Pascal – Wide Receiver
• Kelvin Beachum – Offensive Tackle

Notable Players who have left

• Maxx Williams – Tight End
• A.J. Green – Wide Receiver (Retired)
• Billy Price – Center
• J.J. Watt – Defensive End (Retired)
• DeAndre Hopkins – Wide Receiver
• Chosen Anderson – Wide Receiver

Top Ranked Players – 2023

• Marquise Brown WR23
• James Conner RB28
• Rondale Moore WR50
• Trey McBride TE22
• Kyler Murray QB22

See The Complete Rankings Here

Positional Depth Charts

Quarterback

• Kyler Murray (injured)
• Colt McCoy
• Jeff Driskel
• Clayton Tune
• David Blough

Position Rank: 22nd

Running Back

• James Conner
• Keaontay Ingram
• Marlon Mack
• Corey Clement
• Ty’Son Williams

Position Rank: 32nd

Wide Receiver

• Marquise Brown
• Rondale Moore
• Greg Dortch – Slot
• Michael Wilson
• Zach Pascal

Position Rank: 24th

Tight End

• Trey McBride
• Zach Ertz
• Geoff Swaim

Position Rank: 22nd

Offensive Line

• LT – D.J. Humphries
• LG – Paris Johnson Jr.
• C – Hjalte Froholdt
• RG – Will Hernandez
• RT – Kelvin Beachum

Position Rank (PFF): 31st

2023 Projections

Projections Created Using The 2023 Projections Template

Fantasy Football Studs

• None

Fantasy Football Values

• James Conner
• Marquise Brown
• Michael Wilson

Fantasy Football Avoids

• Zach Ertz

Our Targets

• Michael Wilson (Deep Leagues Only)

 

2023 Schedule

 

Week 1	@	Washington Commanders
Week 2	v	New York Giants
Week 3	v	Dallas Cowboys
Week 4	@	San Francisco 49ers
Week 5	v	Cincinnati Bengals
Week 6	@	Los Angeles Rams
Week 7	@	Seattle Seahawks
Week 8	v	Baltimore Ravens
Week 9	@	Cleveland Browns
Week 10	v	Atlanta Falcons
Week 11	@	Houston Texans
Week 12	v	Los Angeles Rams
Week 13	@	Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 14	BYE
Week 15	v	San Francisco 49ers
Week 16	@	Chicago Bears
Week 17	@	Philadelphia Eagles
Week 18	v	Seattle Seahawks

Summary

The Cardinals are going to begin the 2023 season without quarterback Kyler Murray as he continues his recovery from last season’s knee injury. There’s a possibility that Murray sits out the entire season. With or without him, the Cardinals are going to be one of the NFL’s worst teams.

Overall Team Rank: 27th

Projected NFC West Finish: 3rd

 

Los Angeles Rams Team Preview

Team Info

Division:                                   NFC West
2022 Finish (Record):           3rd (5-12-0)

Head Coach:                          Sean McVay
Offensive Coordinator:         Mike LaFleur *NEW*
Play Caller:                            Sean McVay

Mike LaFleur Last 3 Roles

• New York Jets (2021-2022) Offensive Coordinator
• San Francisco 49ers (2017-2020) Passing Game Coordinator
• Atlanta Falcons (2015-2016) Offensive Assistant

 

2022 Top PPR Scorers and Team Tendencies

(Team Tendencies Source Data from NFELO)

Key Changes & Need to Know

• New Offensive Coordinator – Mike LaFleur, Kyle Shanahan disciple and OC for the New York Jets (under another Shanahan disciple, Saleh) in 2021/2022
• Return of Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford – Kupp and Stafford are both coming back after missing large parts of 2022
• Blowing it up? – They’ve released all of their cornerstone defensive pieces outside of Aaron Donald and the offensive cupboard looks bare

2023 Draft Picks

• 2.05 – Steve Avila G
• 3.14 – Byron Young EDGE
• 3.26 – Kobie Turner DT
• 4.26 – Stetson Bennett QB
• 5.26 – Nick Hampton EDGE
• 5.40 – Davis Allen TE
• 5.42 – Puka Nacua WR
• 6.05 – Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson CB
• 6.12 – Ochaun Mathis EDGE
• 7.06 – Ethan Evans P
• 7.17 – Jason Taylor II SAF
• 7.42 – Desjuan Johnson DE

Free Agency

Notable New Players

• Hunter Long – Tight End
• Demarcus Robinson – Wide Receiver

Notable Players who have left

• Jalen Ramsey – Cornerback
• Leonard Floyd – Linebacker
• Allen Robinson – Wide Receiver
• Baker Mayfield – Quarterback
• Bobby Wagner – Linebacker

Top Ranked Players – 2023

• Cooper Kupp WR3
• Cam Akers RB24
• Tyler Hibee TE16
• Matthew Stafford QB20

See The Complete Rankings Here

Positional Depth Charts

Quarterback

• Matthew Stafford
• Stetson Bennett
• Brett Rypien

Position Rank: 20th

Running Back

• Cam Akers
• Zach Evans
• Ronnie Rivers
• Kyren Williams
• Royce Freeman

Position Rank: 31st

Wide Receiver

• Cooper Kupp
• Van Jefferson
• Puka Nacua
• Tutu Atwell
• Ben Skowronek
• Demarcus Robinson
• Lance McCutcheon

Position Rank: 27th

Tight End

• Tyler Higbee
• Hunter Long
• Brycen Hopkins
• Davis Allen

Position Rank: 18th

Offensive Line

• LT – Joseph Noteboom
• LG – Steve Avila
• C – Brian Allen
• RG – Coleman Shelton
• RT – Rob Havenstein

Position Rank (PFF): 28th

2023 Projections

Projections Created Using The 2023 Projections Template

Fantasy Football Studs

• Cooper Kupp

Fantasy Football Values

• Cam Akers
• Tyler Higbee

Fantasy Football Avoids

• None

Our Targets

• Cooper Kupp

 

2023 Schedule

 

Week 1	@	Seattle Seahawks
Week 2	v	San Francisco 49ers
Week 3	@	Cincinnati Bengals
Week 4	@	Indianapolis Colts
Week 5	v	Philadelphia Eagles
Week 6	v	Arizona Cardinals
Week 7	v	Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 8	@	Dallas Cowboys
Week 9	@	Green Bay Packers
Week 10	BYE
Week 11	v	Seattle Seahawks
Week 12	@	Arizona Cardinals
Week 13	v	Cleveland Browns
Week 14	@	Baltimore Ravens
Week 15	v	Washington Commanders
Week 16	v	New Orleans Saints
Week 17	@	New York Giants
Week 18	@	San Francisco 49ers

Summary

Matthew Stafford is back under center for the Rams after missing most of last season with injury. That’s not going to be enough to get them back to the super bowl form they were at in 2021, though. The offense is void of weapons outside of Cooper Kupp and the offensive line is one of the league’s worst. On defense, it’s Aaron Donald and a bunch of nobodies. Seriously, after parting ways with Jalen Ramsey, Leonard Floyd, and Bobby Wagner, the Rams may have one of the worst defensive units we’ve seen in a long time.

Overall Team Rank: 28th

Projected NFC West Finish: 4th

 

Who do you think will win the NFC North in 2023? Jump in our Discord and join the discussion!

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