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San Francisco 49ers, FLAT: The 49ers are a favorite to win their division, and many think they have what it takes to make it back to the Super Bowl. They'll need another big season and postseason from Collin Kaepernick, and he'll have to prove last season wasn't a fluke. The 49ers were probably the better overall team in the Super Bowl, but they allowed themselves to be utterly whipped in the first half. There's no reason the 49ers can't make it back to the Super Bowl again.
Seattle Seahawks, FLAT: The Seahawks will be relying too much on Russell Wilson to get back to the playoffs in the very tough NFC. The problem is teams won't be surprised by Wilson's abilities this time around. In one of the toughest divisions in football, it's hard to imagine the Seahawks getting better than they were a season ago. Seattle will be in the race for a playoff birth, but there's no guarantee they'll make it in.
St. Louis Rams, RISING: The Rams improved greatly in their first season under Jeff Fisher, and they'll be hoping to continue this season. Sam Bradford will be largely in charge of pushing production from the offense, and while it's not a make-or-break-year for Bradford, the Rams are hoping to see more than a few flashes of greatness. It's time for Bradford's coming out party.
Arizona Cardinals, RISING: The Cardinals have all the ingredients for a Cinderella run. Quarterback? Check. Defense? Check. Offensive weapons? Check. Bruce Arians will have the benefits of a fresh looking Cardinals team, and if he is as good of a head coach as he showed he was in Indianapolis, Arians could potentially have the Cardinals in contention for a playoff birth late in December.
