NFL Divisional Finals Preview and Predictions: By Kyle Balfour

The Go For It On Fourth 32 for 32 Season Preview:
The 2017 NFC West:

The final part of our 32 for 32 series, brings us to the NFC West.

Arizona Cardinals: Chris Sharp

How was last season for you?

You heard Johnny Cash's version of “Hurt”? Pretty much that. I've been a Cards fan for 15 years, I've seen some bad teams. The 2016 Cards weren't at all a bad team – on paper they could have been great. On grass and turf? They played within themselves for long periods, lost games they should have won and stumbled to a losing (7-8-1) record that didn't do their talent-level justice.

With the offseason in the rear-view mirror, how do you believe your team fared in the draft and free agency?

My biggest disappointment was losing Tony Jefferson to the Ravens. He's a sneaky-great player and the Ravens got a real gem with him. Bill Parcells once said "I like linebackers. I collect them. You cannot have too many good ones.". I think in the desert that's true for safeties – especially given our safeties like Mathieu and Buchanan both play linebacker more often than you'd think and are hurt exactly as often as you think. We will miss him, even in a great secondary. Losing Calais Campbell was an obvious blow but that was kinda recognized as such, the Jefferson departure went under the radar a little in comparison to his value.

Saying that, they did bring in Bethea and drafted Baker at Safety to cover the loss of Jefferson and Swearinger and the front seven got both a dazzling young talent in Reddick and an experienced veteran leader in the prodigal son Karlos Dansby. Round that out by tying Chandler Jones down long-term (five-year, $82.5 million) and you have one of the most complete Defences in the game.

Surprised there wasn't an effort to look beyond Palmer, however, or even back him up adequately. That could haunt us.

The man under centre: what’s your opinions on your starting quarterback for this season? Who would you say is the main man for your team beyond the quarterback?

I have to admit, I was incredibly vocal about Palmer being the wrong man for the job. I had serious issues regarding what I believed his attitude to be following his times in Cincinnati and Oakland and I felt his talent wasn't enough to overcome that. I suggested some, in hindsight, dubious alternatives to Number 3 (AJ McCarron, Drew Stanton, at one point even John Skelton).

 I was wrong. Totally wrong.

He is the right man for the job and the scheme and his attitude is not in question at all. He's obliviously not in that elite category of Brady/Brees/Rogers (pick an order) but he's in the comfortable range of “Quarterbacks you can win with”. Especially when you have David Johnson – perhaps a generational talent – at Running Back. The Offence will flow through him with our air attack preventing teams from going 8-in-the-box. Saying he could pull off 2,000 yards from scrimmage if he plays a healthy 16 games is perhaps even conservative.

Which member of your team or coaching staff is under the most pressure in this coming season?

I think the understanding between GM Steve Keim and Head Coach Bruce Arians, and both mens’ respective talent, is a big reason for the team’s ascent. Remember, we had 3 winning seasons from 1998 to 2012. Arians produced three in four years. It would take a Brownsian season for there to be any major coaching shake-ups in Arizona.

How did you come to support your team?

Got into the game playing in the park and the street with a few friends, resolved not to learn any teams record before I picked and tossed a coin between the Bengals (played in tangerine-and-black) and the Cardinals (played in Phoenix). Came up heads. Never once regretted it – although I did develop a serious soft-spot for the McNabb/Westbrook era Eagles. Possibly because, due to an utter fluke of scheduling, they seemed to be on TV every time I tuned in!

For any new fans coming into the league this year, why would you endorse your team to support?

They're a bit of an underdog in the grand scheme of things but they play the game the right way, on and largely off the field (sidebar: glad to see the back of Darryl Washington). Will be thrilling to watch this year and I guarantee you they'll earn a bump in the UK market after a showcase in London in October. You'll see a lot of David Johnson jerseys at Super Bowl parties in the UK this year, get in before it was cool folks!

Give us reasons for optimism for your team this season?

David Johnson will reach 2,000 yards from scrimmage at a canter. Record is 2,509 (ironically, held by the recently departed Chris Johnson). A healthy D. J and an even halfway-respectable year for the Cards and that record falls. And when you try to cover him Fitz, JJ Nelson, Brown, the other Brown and even Andre Ellington (trust me, he's too talented to be simply a third-string RB as he's listed, he'll be part of the plan) get all of the space. Oh, and you'll have to strike back during your brief reprieves from this onslaught against one of the best Defences in the game, capable of stopping both the run and the pass. Your move, hypothetical other team, your move.

That's a recipe for success. On paper at least...

And what are your doubts for your team this upcoming season?

...and we've just seen a team that looked great on paper stumble through a disappointing year before dropping out of the playoff race with barely a peep. So, there's that...

Also: not so much doubts for my team per se, but the Seahawks got better – bringing in Richardson makes a great line greater – and the Rams are not going to be a pushover at all if they get a little luck, they seem to be building well and have a really solid Defence.  Even San Francisco got a little better, admittedly from a very low base. Point is it's a tough division again in the NFC West

Name us one player within another team that you’d love to have at your club?

In the division: Apologies to Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner, but if salary was no option I'd be knocking on Aaron Donald’s door right now. Imagine him at the spearhead of our Defence? Rams are insane not to pay him, he's a ludicrous, game-winning talent.

In the game: Apologies to J.J. Watt but give me Aaron Rogers. 4 years younger than Palmer (and 7 younger than Brady) – but remember he didn't see a lot of the game his first couple years being drafted while Brett Favre was still in his prime. He's got a good seven or eight, maybe even 10, years left in him at an elite level and he could do real damage with the weapons we have. I'm not saying he's better than Brady, but he will be throwing Touchdowns in a game Brady provides the analysis for on FOX in like 2023.

How much more time do Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald have at this level?

Maybe 2, 3 tops. It’s a scary thought. Would have liked to have seen more long-term planning under Palmer while he's still playing, as the Rogers/Favre example above) but we'll see. Michael Floyd was, in theory, the long-term plan to replace Fitz but that imploded last year so we'll see where we go. I don't think the answer is on our roster right now, although there are a couple very competent WR2/3s to compliment whoever we do bring in to fill his hallowed cleats.

What are your predictions for the upcoming season for your team?  What do you think your record will be, and how far do you think you will go in the postseason, if at all?

NFC West Champions after a battle against Seattle that goes to the wire, 11-5 to their 10-6. Can see us getting stopped by a big air attack like Atlanta or Green Bay, but then again, a bit of luck and we'll see. David Johnson to break the YFS record along the way. We won't win it all though because...

Who do you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season?

...the Patriots will. Easiest question today. A superb team from front-to-back and top-to-bottom with serious G.O.A.T contenders under centre and at head coach – a terrifying combination in itself. Brady speaks for himself, but BB is just a master at the art of the contingency plan and always seems to come out ahead. Edelman is a blow, certainly, and losing a key player like that would derail a number of very good franchises outright. Go through the league and take out every teams WR1. The Steelers losing Brown, the Falcons losing Jones, the Cards losing Fitz, the Seahawks losing Baldwin, the Colts losing Hilton, even the Pack losing Nelson - those would be serious setbacks. The Pats losing Edelman? Barely a speed bump. Terrifying. Over the last little while he let Chandler Jones and Jamie Collins walk...and ended up a better team. That's basically witchcraft.

Anything else you’d like to say about the upcoming season, or anything you’d like to plug or mention?

Marlon Mack (RB, Colts) will be a 1st-round fantasy pick in 2018. Plan accordingly.

Los Angeles Rams: Ashley Steele

How was last season for you?

The season was undeniably rough. Results wise we started off brightly, going 3-1. Our performances weren’t convincing however and teams soon found us out and everything began to fall apart. Finishing 4-12 is tough for any team, a bit of bad luck, silly mistakes on offence, and due to the extended pressure on the defensive side they couldn’t handle the full 4 quarters.

With the offseason in the rear-view mirror, how do you believe your team fared in the draft and free agency?

Overall I’m pleased. The draft was never going to be great thanks to all the picks we traded for Jared Godd. Free agency was phenomenal, we overhauled the Offensive line which was by far our weakest link. I’d imagine most Rams fans will be really happy with getting rid of deadweight like Greg Robinson and Tim Barnes and delighted with the signing of Andrew Whitworth, even though it’s not a long term solution being 35 years old and all. We somehow managed to pick up Sammy Watkins which is fantastic, if he stays fit he will greatly improve our passing game; it is however a shame to see Kenny Britt go after having a solid last season as a Ram.

The man under centre: what’s your opinions on your starting quarterback for this season?

Honestly, not optimistic. I mean Goff has not had much time to prove himself coming in halfway through last season, so he can turn it around and come good – especially with the new O line. I was however not thrilled with his passing accuracy when he had time in the pocket, often throwing behind the receiver or too low. Mannion is polarised with the fans, 50% think he’s the answer, the other 50% don’t rate him at all, I’m inclined to agree with the latter and don’t think he’s up to the task. I think giving Goff the starting role he will undoubtedly get is the better option of a poor quarterback roster.

Who would you say is the main man for your team beyond the quarterback?

Aaron Donald without question; our best player, arguably one of the best players in the league and the best defensive lineman bar JJ Watt. He needs to get paid already and the Rams will licking their wounds if they don’t offer him the money he deserves. There are doubts as to whether he can adapt to Wade Phillips 3-4 system however.

How did you come to support your team?

In 2013 I went to University and wanted to give American Football a go. I had a look at the 2013 draft and Tavon Austin was an exciting prospect in the draft that year and was quickly snapped up by the Rams. I began playing for my University’s team the Bangor Muddogs and quickly fell in love with not only the sport but the Rams – even if we are in a rough patch at the moment we’ll be the greatest show on turf again one day.

For any new fans coming into the league this year, why would you endorse your team to support?

We have a team full of youth, and a first round quarterback going into his first full season. Every year is completely different in the NFL and with all the changes made in the offseason to roster and coaching staff it’s exciting to see what the Rams can bring to the table this year.

Give us reasons for optimism for your team this season?

Coming off the back of such a poor 2016 season the only way is up. Time will tell on how our offensive line performs but we can only do better than last year; this will hopefully allow Goff time to pass the ball. If teams start respecting our pass game then it will also help Gurley find some gaps to run through, he’s got a lot to prove after underperforming last season and needs to start putting up numbers akin to his rookie season if he is to justify his first round pick.

And what are your doubts for your team this upcoming season?

The preseason win against the Cowboys was unconvincing and the offence looked no different Jeff Fisher’s, boring, predictable, and poor in general. We did manage a win however with some big names missing, notably Donald. Preseason doesn’t mean much however so we’ll really have to way and see. Tavon Austin has yet to justify his first round pick and $42 million contract so needs to step it up and start performing consistently.

Name us one player within another team that you’d love to have at your club?

It’s a toss between Derek Carr and Russell Wilson. Two phenomenal, young, versatile quarterbacks which have consistently proven themselves on the biggest stage already. Wilson should have had 2 Super Bowls under his belt, while Carr also deserves a ring and I’m sure his chance will come if he can stay fit. I doubt many Rams fans truly believe Goff will justify not only his first round pick but the picks we gave up just to get him. I hope he proves me wrong but I doubt many fans are banking on it.

Is Jared Goff the long-term answer for the Rams at quarterback?

It’s a tricky one. He’s young, and has yet to really prove himself. This is a big year for him and if he gets adequate protection from the O line then there is no reason we can’t put points on the board with the likes of Austin, Watkins, and Gurley. He hasn’t looked close to being a 1st round quarterback as of yet though so it’s doubtful that he will be the long-term answer – I hope he proves us all wrong.

What are your predictions for the upcoming season for your team? What do you think your record will be, and how far do you think you will go in the postseason, if at all?

The NFC West was not the force it was 3 or 4 years ago, which means any team has the potential to reach the postseason. The Rams will surely do better than last year, if we can put points on the board then anything is possible. We perform well within our division but need to improve against other teams. I’m not an optimist and realistically reaching the playoffs is still a longshot. My honest prediction is we finish 6-10 and third in our division.

Who do you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season?

Even at 40 years old, I can’t look past Tom Brady’s Patriots. It’s as simple as that.

Anything else you’d like to say about the upcoming season, or anything you’d like to plug or mention?

This is a huge couple of years for the Rams, we’ve invested a lot to get the players we have right now. Every single Rams fan will be hoping and praying Goff comes good and our offence starts putting points on the board. If we fail then it’s going to take us years to recuperate. I’m still doubtful that Goff will be worth everything we gave up to get him. I also think it was a mistake tagging Trumaine and giving Austin a ridiculously unwarranted contract, especially when Donald has still yet to be paid. I still have my fingers crossed though.

San Francisco 49ers: Alex Wyatt @pregamekickoff

How was last season for you?

Last season, I was hopeful as a fan of Colin Kaepernick, I was excited to see how coming off the injuries he would fair well with Chip Kelly, and after the Monday night to start the season, I was hopeful, however, what a train wreck of a season! Utterly gut-wrenching, glad that’s behind us as a fan base.

With the offseason in the rear-view mirror, how do you believe your team fared in the draft and free agency?

Free agency was quiet. Shanahan and Lynch hirings were the first sign that the Niners were finally committed to competing in the division, and wanted to succeed in the next few years, not 5-10 under Balke, however with such a large cap space and lots of high end receivers in Free Agency, I’m a little downtrodden with the results. Don’t get me wrong, the moves made were positive, and it’s a step towards a winning season, but the Niners had the money and the cap space to go get a legitimate number one wide receiver like Pryor or Marshall, that would have been amazing, overall the changes that were made were deliberate and positive, but not earth-shattering, 6/10. The Draft however, with the trade and two defensive studs, gives me hope as a fan that this team and front office will thrive.

The man under centre: what’s your opinions on your starting quarterback for this season?

Bryan Hoyer “the Destroyer” in my eyes is a perfect fit for Shanahan. More Alex Smith than Joe Montana but definitely a positive move, and remember he was amazing under KS with the Browns before getting injured, he and Josh Gordon were unstoppable. However, injury is my main concern, he has never lasted under centre for a year and I feel this year will be the same.

Who would you say is the main man for your team beyond the quarterback?

For me Hyde. A good run game is key, and I think offensive confidence to run an 8-minute drive will settle the team in the season.

Which member of your team or coaching staff is under the most pressure in this coming season?

Robert Saleh and Jeff Haley, DC and DB coaches. The Niners under Harbaugh had a dominant defence and it was how we won games: outscore early, and run down the clock, with so much talent and a thick wallet, if the defence has another awful year, especially against the run, I would see the blame falling squarely on their shoulders.

How did you come to support your team?

I remember being in the States during the Mike Singletary-Vernon Davis benching and watching the fallout, then the ensuring Draft with the Rodgers/Smith episode, and just loving the underdog, gritty nature of this team, after that I got my first copy of Madden, and just fell in love with the team, and then visiting San Francisco and loving that more than the team, it was my team for life!

For any new fans coming into the league this year, why would you endorse your team to support?

Young talent, and a good mixed with legacy and greatness in an amazing city (yes, I know they moved to Santa Clara, but still!), combined with a smart GM and innovative Head Coach, this is the team of the greatest dynasty of all time and true NFL up and comers.

Give us reasons for optimism for your team this season?

Shanahan is a proven offensive minded guy, and has the tools and trust to win now.

And what are your doubts for your team this upcoming season?

As mentioned before, it is defensive effectiveness against the long ball and the run, and Bryan Hoyer’s health. if those 2 things are solid, I can see us doing quite well.

Name us one player within another team that you’d love to have at your club?

James Harrison. No better tone-setter and ethic leader in the NFL.

Can Kyle Shanahan replicate his success that he’s had in Atlanta and bring the 49ers back to prominence?

This year, no. The Falcons were stacked at every position, and have been poised for the last three years to be a contender. The Niners have the talent in the ones to make a push, but I believe it may take two to four years before we are Super Bowl Champions.

What are your predictions for the upcoming season for your team? What do you think your record will be, and how far do you think you will go in the postseason, if at all?

Honestly, it depends on the out of division games, and which Dallas, Philadelphia and Carolina show up this year, however 8-8 is a good target. Best case scenario, I can see the Niners as a 10-win team, but whether that will be enough in the division is unclear.

Who do you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season?

Steelers are the best bet, I think the “Do it for Ben” rally cries will start to ring come mid-October, that is if Le’veon Bell gets his shit together and signs a damn deal!  If not them, honestly the Vikings are a good choice, they are loaded with talent and got better in the Draft, can seem them going deep and with home field it’s a long shot, but all the notes are there, time to make some music.

Anything else you’d like to say about the upcoming season, or anything you’d like to plug or mention?

Yes, a few things, just opinions on prominent decisions made by the NFL over the last few months. Firstly, Joe Mixon and Tyreek Hill’s addition to the league amidst domestic violence cases, obviously the circumstances are different, however I think the rules should be added to help the NFL better deal with this problem in sports. I don’t think Joe Mixon should be allowed to play this year, I think that by rule a player acquired by an NFL team who was convicted, not just accused, of sexual or domestic assault should be suspended for 12 months on signing their contract, and 30% of signing and 25% of base salary for the length of contract should be “fined” by the league to punish players who think their college careers are absolved on entering the draft, given what happened in Notre Dame this year, I think the NFL needs a better solution than “sweep it under the rug and hope no one notices”. On the back of that, and I appreciate the irony, the situation with Zeke is absured, the NFL is making an example of a household name to make a point. On first glance, I agreed with the NFL, however on diving deeper, I saw that the NFL’s decision is directly opposite to that of the police who investigated for much longer, and it appears as Zeke was almost targeted by his ex. For him to lose out on this is absurd, and I hope he wins the appeal, and this issues can be added to the Adrian Peterson and Tom Brady pile of Goodell ****-ups that see him fired prior to a new CBA being drafted! Also a talking point, Greg Williams is a HOF DC despite BountyGate if the next two years go well and he gets a HC job in the near future, he’s too good to be ignored.

Seattle Seahawks: Joey Farrell @GwladysOptimist

How was last season for you?

Second year in a row, been bested by a Super Bowl contender, but little comfort, honestly, we need to be the feared team again and not just a flash in the pan.

With the offseason in the rear-view mirror, how do you believe your team fared in the draft and free agency?

So-so, seems like we got a lot of our work done early, and basically traded out the early rounds of this year’s draft, in order to add depth. It remains to be seen if we were able to address the OL problems that have hampered up in recent years.

The man under centre: what’s your opinions on your starting quarterback for this season?

Like in my previous answer, he's a magician, god knows where we would be without him. I just hope he can take his game to that next level by making the offence truly his.

Who would you say is the main man for your team beyond the quarterback?

Earl Thomas for me. I think we look totally different without him. He is a true leader and the heart and soul of the defence.

Which member of your team or coaching staff is under the most pressure in this coming season?

Darrell Bevell has come into flak over the past few years for being very basic and for some truly terrible play calls (throwing on 2nd and goal anyone?) but being honest I think a lot of eyes will be on Tomi Cable, and just what he can do to protect Russell Wilson with the OL.

How did you come to support your team?

I liked the uniforms! As simple as that!

For any new fans coming into the league this year, why would you endorse your team to support?

It seems like in recent years the Seahawks have been the boo boys for the rest of the league, the team with a chip on their shoulder. And they would be right, a lot of the team where over looked in previous drafts and play like they have a point to prove. Even with success in recent years, they still consider themselves underdogs, even if the rest of the league see them as formidable opposition.

Give us reasons for optimism for your team this season?

Russell Wilson, while he is QB for the Seahawks I firmly believe every year we will make the playoffs. I've seen him do things that my eyes can hardly believe. And while he may not be everyone's cup of tea, last year he managed to drag an offence with virtually no running game and a god awful offensive line to the playoffs, while battling with injuries. A special talent who really does deserve to win another super bowl ring at some point in the future.

And what are your doubts for your team this upcoming season?

While moving for Eddie Lacy can only be a good thing, it remains to be seen if the offence can truly click into gear. For years we basically got away with it thanks to Wilsons genius, Marshawn Lynch's monster running game and the play making abilities of an underrated receiving core. Talent like Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett and Jimmy Graham should put fear into any team, but the short comings in the offensive line often stifle the potential.

Name us one player within another team that you’d love to have at your club?

The running game isn't what it was since Beast Mode called it a day (then came back), and while Rawls has shown glimpses of what he can do, injuries have so far hampered his short NFL career. So, RB would be a position I'd look around the league for, and the player I'd love to see in a Seahawks jersey is Le'veon Bell. For me there hasn't been a better back in the league than Bell over the past few seasons, he is so clever and fun to watch

Is the Legion of Boom past its peak, or can it bring the Seahawks back to the Super Bowl?

Nah, LOB is still booming. Sherman, Chancellor and Thomas all still rank for me top 3 in their respective positions (top 5 if you want to be really picky) and that for me still makes them a formidable DB unit.

What are your predictions for the upcoming season for your team? What do you think your record will be, and how far do you think you will go in the postseason, if at all?

I can see another playoff run, and if all goes well on offensive I can see, and hope, for another conference championship. There is far too much talent on the team for me not to believe that stand a strong chance of going far. 12-4

Who do you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season?

I’m gonna stick my neck out there and say the Seahawks, though it wouldn't surprise me if the Patriots do it again, because they have the GOAT.

Anything else you’d like to say about the upcoming season, or anything you’d like to plug or mention?

Kasen Williams could be a massive break out star. Also, Frank Clark, when he's not knocking out his own team mates in practice, is a scary, scary man, could make a big statement this season. I fully expect him to continue the impressive start to his NFL career.