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NFC West Primer: Are 49ers still a threat?

Sat Sep 6 8:37am ET
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The San Francisco 49ers were ravaged by injuries last season and went 6-11 just one year after reaching the Super Bowl.

It's not hard to forecast that a healthy Christian McCaffrey is the big ingredient needed for a turnaround. But the 49ers did shake up the roster a bit and that also can reignite the fire of veteran holdovers.

There is very little chance of San Francisco winning just 35 percent of its games for consecutive seasons after owning the division for multiple seasons. But it will be tough sledding for Brock Purdy and company as the NFC West is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL.

The Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks are both coming off 10-win campaigns and the Arizona Cardinals were strongly in the playoff mix before fading down the stretch. The Rams were the division's lone playoff participant last season and will again contend for the division title.

The Seahawks are betting that Sam Darnold has turned the corner in his career and will again be one of the top quarterbacks in the league. He signed a three-year contract as an upgrade from departed Geno Smith.

The Cardinals lost five of their last seven games last season in an untimely slump. Star safety Budda Baker has played in just one playoff game in eight seasons - nothing explains the state of Arizona Cardinals football better than that.

Here's how we envision the NFC West shaking out in 2025:

1. San Francisco 49ers (11-6 predicted record)

Schedule

W1 Sun Sep 7 at Seattle Seahawks

W2 Sun Sep 14 at New Orleans Saints

W3 Sun Sep 21 vs Arizona Cardinals

W4 Sun Sep 28 vs Jacksonville Jaguars

W5 Thu Oct 2 at Los Angeles Rams

W6 Sun Oct 12 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

W7 Sun Oct 19 vs Atlanta Falcons

W8 Sun Oct 26 at Houston Texans

W9 Sun Nov 2 at New York Giants

W10 Sun Nov 9 vs Los Angeles Rams

W11 Sun Nov 16 at Arizona Cardinals

W12 Sun Nov 23 vs Carolina Panthers

W13 Sun Nov 30 at Cleveland Browns

W14 Bye

W15 Sun Dec 14 vs Tennessee Titans

W16 Sun Dec 21 at Indianapolis Colts

W17 Sun Dec 28 vs Chicago Bears

W18 Sun Jan 3/4 vs Seattle Seahawks

Punching in: You can't be a difference-making force if you only suit for up four of 17 games as Christian McCaffrey did last season. The star running back dealt with calf, Achilles and knee injuries and he's already been bothered by a calf injury leading up to the 2025 season opener. McCaffrey rushed for a career-best 1,459 and scored a career-high 21 total touchdowns in 2023 and San Francisco needs production close to that this season.

Old face, same place: It's an interesting notion that Robert Saleh returning as defensive coordinator might be the unit's top addition of the offseason. Saleh was defensive coordinator under coach Kyle Shanahan from 2017-20 and the club ranked in the top five in total defense in each of his last two seasons and a stellar 2019 season ended in the Super Bowl. It doesn't hurt that stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner are happy to have him back.

2. Seattle Seahawks (10-7)

Schedule

W1 Sun Sep 7 vs San Francisco 49ers

W2 Sun Sep 14 at Pittsburgh Steelers

W3 Sun Sep 21 vs New Orleans Saints

W4 Sun Sep 28 at Arizona Cardinals

W5 Sun Oct 5 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

W6 Sun Oct 12 at Jacksonville Jaguars

W7 Mon Oct 20 vs Houston Texans

W8 Bye

W9 Sun Nov 2 at Washington Commanders

W10 Sun Nov 9 vs Arizona Cardinals

W11 Sun Nov 16 at Los Angeles Rams

W12 Sun Nov 23 at Tennessee Titans

W13 Sun Nov 30 vs Minnesota Vikings

W14 Sun Dec 7 at Atlanta Falcons

W15 Sun Dec 14 vs Indianapolis Colts

W16 Dec 20 or Dec 21 vs Los Angeles Rams

W17 Dec 28 at Carolina Panthers

W18 Sun Jan 4 at San Francisco 49ers

Travelin' Man Sam: Darnold is with his fifth team in eight seasons since being the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft by the New York Jets. Last season was the first time Darnold played like a high pick as he excelled in the Minnesota Vikings' system and passed for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns to go with 12 interceptions. The Seahawks have bet $55 million in guaranteed money that Darnold can be a force in their system.

Still a lot of tread: Seattle added receiver Cooper Kupp (age 32) and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (age 33) in the offseason while feeling both veterans have a lot in the tank. Kupp once had one of the top receiving seasons of all-time -- 145 catches for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns for Los Angeles -- but he has seldom been healthy since and the Rams moved on. Lawrence spent 11 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and was a star last decade before production decreased in recent seasons.

3. Los Angeles Rams (9-8)

Schedule

W1 Sun Sep 7 vs Houston Texans

W2 Sun Sep 14 at Tennessee Titans

W3 Sun Sep 21 at Philadelphia Eagles

W4 Sun Sep 28 vs Indianapolis Colts

W5 Thu Oct 2 vs San Francisco 49ers

W6 Sun Oct 12 at Baltimore Ravens

W7 Sun Oct 19 at Jacksonville Jaguars (London)

W8 Bye

W9 Sun Nov 2 vs New Orleans Saints

W10 Sun Nov 9 at San Francisco 49ers

W11 Sun Nov 16 vs Seattle Seahawks

W12 Sun Nov 23 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

W13 Sun Nov 30 at Carolina Panthers

W14 Sun Dec 7 at Arizona Cardinals

W15 Sun Dec 14 vs Detroit Lions

W16 Thu Dec 18 at Seattle Seahawks

W17 Sun Dec 28 vs Atlanta Falcons

W18 Sun Jan 4 vs Arizona Cardinals

Durability in question: That ailing back Matthew Stafford has been dealing with could be the thing that derails the Rams. Stafford is saying he's ready for the season and looking forward to physical play but he's 37 and not the Ironman he was earlier in his career. Veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is the backup and he's surely a capable player but the Los Angeles offense relies on the skills of Stafford

Quite a catch?: The Rams added 32-year-old receiver Davante Adams and he figures to want to prove there's a lot left in his tank. He split last season with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets and caught 85 passes for 1,063 yards and eight TDs despite not having the impact he did over the previous four seasons. The duo of Adams and Puka Nacua (184 catches in two season) certainly will cause sleepless nights for defensive coordinators.

4. Arizona Cardinals (9-8)

Schedule

W1 Sun Sep 7 at New Orleans Saints

W2 Sun Sep 14 vs Carolina Panthers

W3 Sun Sep 21 at San Francisco 49ers

W4 Thu Sep 25 vs Seattle Seahawks

W5 Sun Oct 5 vs Tennessee Titans

W6 Sun Oct 12 at Indianapolis Colts

W7 Sun Oct 19 vs Green Bay Packers

W8 Bye

W9 Mon Nov 3 at Dallas Cowboys

W10 Sun Nov 9 at Seattle Seahawks

W11 Sun Nov 16 vs San Francisco 49ers

W12 Sun Nov 23 vs Jacksonville Jaguars

W13 Sun Nov 30 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

W14 Sun Dec 7 vs Los Angeles Rams

W15 Sun Dec 14 at Houston Texans

W16 Sun Dec 21 vs Atlanta Falcons

W17 Sat Dec 27 at Cincinnati Bengals

W18 Sun Jan 4 at Los Angeles Rams

Breakout campaign department: There was a time when a rookie catching 62 passes for 885 yards and eight touchdowns was serenaded over his stellar first-year performance. But in the case of wideout Marvin Harrison Jr., there were many pundits feeling he didn't perform up to his lofty label as the No. 4 overall choice. Harrison topped 100 yards just twice and totaled under 50 on 10 occasions.

Sweat in the desert: Adding defensive end Josh Sweat to pump up the pass rush was a stellar idea even if it costs $76.4 million over four years. But that's one of the perks that come with recording 2.5 sacks in a Super Bowl victory as Sweat did for the Philadelphia Eagles last season. Sweat had a career-best 11 sacks in 2022 when Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon was Philadelphia's defensive coordinator.

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 1

Player Notes
Marvin Harrison Jr. Sep 6 9:50am CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. entered his rookie year in 2024 with insane expectations as his ADP in fantasy drafts was a late first-round pick. If that price tag weren't so high, a rookie year with 62 receptions, 885 yards, and eight touchdowns on 116 targets would probably have been a little more appreciated. His connection with Kyler Murray was very disjointed in that first season as well, but that seems to be changing heading into his second season. Harrison and Murray looked like they were on the same page through joint practices and training camp, and the former fourth-overall pick put on around 10 pounds of muscle. Against a lower-level defense like the New Orleans Saints in Week 1, this is Harrison's chance to start off with a bang. RotoBaller's projections have him sitting around WR20 in Week 1, but he carries some big upside if he does take that second year leap.

From RotoBaller

Ray-Ray McCloud Sep 6 9:50am CT
Ray-Ray McCloud

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III set new career highs in targets (87), receptions (62), and yardage (686) in 2024, sailing past his previous career marks. However, with just a single touchdown reception, the 5-foot-9 receiver was primarily only viable in PPR leagues. With a low average depth of target (aDOT) of 6.77 yards, the 28-year-old relies on yards after the catch to pad his stats. He'll take on a Tampa Bay defense that was porous against the pass in 2024, and with Darnell Mooney (shoulder) a game-time decision, McCloud could see an extra target or two in this matchup, however, he'll still be the third or fourth receiving option, with running back Bijan Robinson involved in the passing attack as well in addition to WR Drake London and TE Kyle Pitts. Unlikely to find the end zone, the seventh-year pro sets up as no more than an option in deep PPR leagues as a WR4/5 on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Sep 6 9:50am CT
Justin Fields

New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields will face stiff competition in Week 1 when he squares off against his former team, the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers. New York's offense figures to take a run-centric approach this season, and that includes their new signal caller, who is capable of wondrous fantasy feats with his legs. His prowess as a thrower, however, is the asset in question, as Fields has yet to completely take the reins of an offense using primarily his arm. Whether that takes place in 2025 remains to be seen, but the 26-year-old could have trouble finding room on the ground during his first appearance in Jets green. Pittsburgh was a top-12 unit against opposing ground attacks in 2024 (109.8 yards per game), and they yielded the seventh-fewest points per game (20.8). Fields comes in at RotoBaller's QB8 this week due to his upside as a rusher, but fantasy managers will want to temper expectations in a contest with the lowest projected combined point total of the week (38.5).

From RotoBaller

Riley Patterson Sep 6 9:40am CT
Riley Patterson

Miami Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson will take the place of an injured Jason Sanders (hip) as the team's starting kicker in Week 1 against the Colts. The journeyman is suiting up for his sixth team in the last three seasons after stints with the Browns, Jets, Jaguars, Falcons, and Lions. He was signed to the practice squad and is expected to be elevated for kicking duties in Week 1. He'll be kicking on his 26th birthday on Sunday, and the veteran is 63-for-74 (85%) on field goal attempts in his career and has made 109 of his 113 extra-point attempts. He is the K22 this week in RotoBaller's rankings, making him nothing more than a one-week desperation fill-in for fantasy until he secures a more permanent role. He is kicking indoors in a decent matchup, though, so he isn't the worst option as a one-week patch.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Sep 6 9:40am CT
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson will be put to the test in Week 1 when his team squares off against the Pittsburgh Steelers at home on Sunday. Wilson is the clear-cut No. 1 option in Gang Green's passing attack and should again benefit from enormous volume in his fourth professional season. However, he'll again have a new quarterback at the helm, this time in his ex-college teammate, Justin Fields. The former Buckeyes will hope that their collegiate chemistry spills over onto the NFL field, although that isn't a guarantee. Despite the duo's familiarity with each other, they're still essentially brand-new teammates in a new offensive system. If Fields can take a step forward in 2025, Wilson would project to have a tremendous season. As of now, he'll be a bit of a riskier option than he has been in years past. The 25-year-old is RotoBaller's PPR WR30 ahead of Sunday's slate of action.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Sep 6 9:40am CT
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall draws an unfavorable matchup this weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers in his team's home opener. The Iowa State product is an uber-talented athlete, but he's set to share a larger portion of New York's backfield touches this season with second-year pro Braelon Allen, and potentially even Isaiah Davis in the fold. Hall's skill as a pass-catcher should help keep his fantasy value afloat in 2025. However, he'll be subject to Allen and even quarterback Justin Fields vulturing goal-line opportunities. It's still possible talent wins out here, but Hall owners should expect the situation in New York to be more fluid than in years past. He's a mid-low-end RB2 ahead of Sunday's slate of action, and officially RotoBaller's PPR RB20 for Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Trey Benson Sep 6 9:30am CT
Trey Benson

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson produced a very forgettable rookie season in 2024. He registered a total of 69 touches (63 carries, six receptions), 350 yards from scrimmage, one rushing touchdown, and one fumble. The Cardinals hope he eventually becomes the successor to James Conner, but the veteran set career highs in yards and carries last year while Benson gave up touches to Emari Demercado and Michael Carter. During training camp and preseason, the team did talk about getting Benson more involved, but his upside currently revolves around whether or not Conner can stay healthy. In 12-team leagues, it's better to avoid Benson in Week 1 until we see how their game plan shakes out.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Rattler Sep 6 9:30am CT
Spencer Rattler

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler won the starting job over rookie Tyler Shough and will lead Kellen Moore's new-look offense against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1. In three preseason games, Rattler completed 30 of 43 passes for 295 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while adding 41 rushing yards on seven carries. He's still trying to rebound from a rough rookie year in 2024 that saw him complete just 57% of his passes with four touchdowns, five interceptions, and five fumbles. Facing an Arizona defense that allowed the fifth-fewest passing scores last season, Rattler belongs on waivers in standard leagues and is only a fringe option in deeper two-QB or superflex formats.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Sep 6 9:30am CT
Alvin Kamara

It's no surprise that New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is locked in as the Saints' lead back ahead of Kendre Miller and rookie Devin Neal. Despite coaching changes, offensive line struggles, and shaky quarterback play, Kamara has averaged over 1,440 total yards and 10 touchdowns per season across eight years. The Saints' offense is likely to run through him, with Kamara handling the bulk of carries and seeing heavy involvement in the passing game. At 30, he enters the "dreaded" age for running backs, and it remains to be seen if his production as a pass-catcher will start to decline. With second-year QB Spencer Rattler under center, the offense as a whole is questionable, but Kamara profiles as a high-upside RB2 for Week 1 against the Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Kendre Miller Sep 6 9:30am CT
Kendre Miller

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller appears locked into the backup role behind starter Alvin Kamara. Miller came through the preseason healthy, and head coach Kellen Moore has expressed excitement about the third-year back, saying, "What we've seen has been awesome." With the Saints potentially leaning on a committee approach and Kamara entering age 30, Miller is best viewed as a deep-league stash for now, valuable only if Father Time starts catching up to Kamara.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Sep 6 9:20am CT
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua remains a must-start in fantasy football, and he could be a legitimate mid-range WR1 in his upcoming matchup against the Houston Texans. Not only is Nacua a star receiver, averaging 6.6 catches and 88 yards per game throughout his young career, but he also benefits from a favorable matchup. The Texans allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers last year, as well as the second-most touchdowns to the position. While Nacua isn't known for being a touchdown threat, his odds to find the end zone certainly increase against this Houston defense. Start him with confidence.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Sep 6 9:20am CT
Davante Adams

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams will make his team debut against the Houston Texans on Sunday, and he carries significant value as a mid-to-low WR2 option. While Puka Nacua is expected to be the No. 1 receiver in Los Angeles, Adams will step in as an immediate contributor alongside him. Splitting last year between the Raiders and Jets, the veteran averaged 6.1 catches, 75.9 receiving yards, and 0.6 touchdowns per game. Now, with the Rams, he gets a quarterback upgrade while playing in an offense that should find the end zone far more often. Plus, he opens the year with a favorable matchup; the Texans allowed the eighth-most fantasy points and second-most touchdowns to wide receivers in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Sep 6 9:10am CT
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is healthy for the 2025 season, and he'll have some low-end fantasy appeal when he takes the field in Week 1 against the Houston Texans. While Stafford lacks the rushing upside needed to be a top fantasy quarterback, his strong and accurate arm puts him in the conversation as a starter in two-quarterback leagues. The Texans ranked near the middle of the league in most metrics against quarterbacks last year, although their 19 interceptions did rank second-most in the NFL. However, Stafford has a track record of playing clean, turnover-free football, so this matchup isn't a major concern. The presence of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams should elevate his game (and his fantasy production) in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Sep 6 9:10am CT
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine came to Miami this past offseason on a two-year, $6.5 million contract, but he doesn't look like he'll be very involved in Week 1. Westbrook-Ikhine showed a nose for the end zone in his five seasons in Tennessee and had nine touchdowns last year on just 32 catches for 497 yards. He's a big red-zone target that could emerge as a goal-line favorite for Tua Tagovailoa, but he doesn't have a clear path to a role coming into the year. One potential spot he could step into would be to fill in for Darren Waller (hip), since the Dolphins don't have any obvious pass-catching options at tight end. He's a long shot to be involved, though, so Westbrook-Ikhine is the WR99 coming into the week in the RotoBaller rankings, since he's behind at least Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Malik Washington in the Dolphins' receiver room.

From RotoBaller

James Conner Sep 6 9:10am CT
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner has quietly built a solid career as he enters year number nine in the NFL. The former Pitt Panther is only 30 yards away from 6,000 and one touchdown shy of 60, which he could reach in the first week of the season, making him the 55th running back in NFL history to reach those marks (fifth on the active RB list). To open up the 2025 season, the Cardinals take on the New Orleans Saints, who finished as the D/ST22 last season and come into this year projected as the D/ST23. Conner should be able to find some running room and will likely continue to receive red zone touches despite Trey Benson being projected to get some more work. RotoBaller's rankers have him projected as the RB19 this year with a very enticing 17 fantasy point prediction in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Sep 6 9:10am CT
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams has been the topic of many backfield discussions this offseason, and there was plenty of speculation that the team could look to bring in running back competition. While the presence of Blake Corum and Jarquez Hunter can't be ignored, there's no doubt that this backfield belongs to Williams and that he should continue to have an every-down role. That will benefit him this week against the Texans, who allowed the sixth-fewest rushing touchdowns to running backs last year. Therefore, a high-volume role is necessary to justify starting a running back against the Texans in fantasy football. Williams fits that description, and he also has a track record of scoring touchdowns against stingy defenses. He belongs in fantasy lineups this week.

From RotoBaller

Malik Washington Sep 6 9:00am CT
Malik Washington

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington is set to start the season as the team's third receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The second-year receiver could be in for a more involved role in 2025 after catching just 26 passes for 223 yards as a rookie. Washington was Miami's sixth-round pick out of Virginia and was able to work extensively with starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa this training camp and preseason, while Hill and Waddle dealt with injuries. Washington showed his playmaking ability in the return game last year, and offensive coordinator Frank Smith praised his growth and understanding of the offense over the offseason. He's only the WR102 in RotoBaller's Week 1 Rankings, so he shouldn't be starting in any format yet. However, he is definitely a player to keep an eye on and possibly stash from waiver wires since he brings a lot of upside if he secures a big role in Miami's offense.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Sep 6 9:00am CT
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is entering his seventh season in the NFL with only one playoff appearance under his belt and a total record of 36-45-1. The two-time Pro Bowler has only led the league in any stat one time, and that was in his rookie year when he led in sacks taken. With those negatives out of the way, Murray has still amassed at least 3,700 yards and 20 touchdowns through the air in each season that he was healthy. He's also compiled 400+ yards and 4+ touchdowns on the ground in four of his six seasons. With that being said, Murray faces off against the New Orleans Saints, who are ranked as the 23rd D/ST in RotoBaller's defense rankings. More time to build chemistry with Marvin Harrison Jr. should pay off this past offseason, so Murray heads into this game with QB1 upside, especially due to his dual-threat abilities.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Henry Sep 6 9:00am CT
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry should be considered as a viable option for your starting lineup in fantasy football. The veteran tight end had arguably the best season of his career last year, setting personal bests with 97 targets, 66 catches, and 674 yards despite sharing some of his volume with Austin Hooper. His productivity could only increase this year as Drake Maye gets more comfortable in the offense and potentially looks toward Henry more often, especially in the end zone. In addition to having a favorable season outlook, Henry should benefit right away in Week 1 as the Patriots face the Raiders, who allowed the third-most fantasy points to tight ends in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Austin Hooper Sep 6 9:00am CT
Austin Hooper

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper had a pleasantly surprising 2024 season, but he's not on the fantasy radar for the team's 2025 season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. After all, Hooper is still the No. 2 tight end in New England and should continue to operate behind Hunter Henry. There will be two-tight end sets and opportunities for Hooper to get involved, but not enough to justify rostering him in fantasy football, especially when so many other tight ends are healthy and bye weeks haven't started up yet. Despite a matchup against the Raiders, who allowed the third-most fantasy points to tight ends last year, Hooper can be left on waivers.

From RotoBaller