2024-25 NFL NFC West Odds and Predictions

The NFC West Division features the defending conference champs, San Francisco 49ers, who are heavily favored to return to the NFC Championship game this year. After falling short in Super Bowl 58 against the Chiefs, the 49ers are on a mission to get to Super Bowl 59 and win the championship that they’ve been flirting with for the last five years.

Are there any NFL teams in the West that can prevent the 49ers from sweeping through the division? According to the NFL odds, that’s a resounding no. The Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks are tabbed to finish around .500, while the Arizona Cardinals are the consensus choice to finish last in the division.

Let’s examine the latest NFC West odds and prop bets, courtesy of the top sports betting sites, and make our 2024-25 NFC West Division predictions.

NFC West Division

2024 San Francsico 49ers Season Preview

Judging from last year’s drive to the Super Bowl, the San Francisco 49ers are right there as being one of the best teams in the league. They just need the ball to bounce the right way for them. They also need to find a way to avoid Patrick Mahomes when everything is on the line.

We can take it for granted that the offense is there. The defense ranked ninth overall in the league, but while it did not experience upheaval, there are still some personnel changes.

One is Leonard Floyd, who previously played with the Bears, Rams and Bills. He can rush the passer, which is evident by his 39.5 sacks over the last four seasons. Yetur Gross-Matos had 13 sacks in four seasons with Carolina, and some of that was missed with injuries and illness. Maliek Collins and Jordan Elliott are also new. They should both get plenty of playing time at the defensive tackle position.

Starting linebacker Dre Greenlaw tore his Achilles in the Super Bowl and his timeline for a return is uncertain. Dee Winters, a second-year pro who was drafted in the sixth round out of TCU last year, is going to be in the mix.

There won’t be major changes on the offense; not this year anyway. The Niners have a number of players who are among the league’s best at their positions. Of course, you’ve got offensive tackle Trent Williams and fullback Kyle Juszczyk. In addition, there is running back Christian McCaffrey, who led the league in rushing and got himself a $38 million contract extension. Tight end George Kittle was a first-team All-Pro, and he should be ready after getting over a groin injury.

Deebo Samuel has expressed that he may not wish to stick around long. He had 892 yards receiving last year. Brandon Aiyuk is in the last year of his rookie contract. He is trying to get a new deal, but those talks are apparently not going well. He skipped the OTA’s and mini-camp. As an insurance policy, the Niners selected wide receiver Ricky Pearsall out of Florida in the first round.

Brock Purdy was the last player taken in the draft, and that came after he was the 50th-ranked quarterback recruit coming out of high school. But he led the NFL in passer rating last year and showed poise all the way through the postseason.

If the wide receiver situation doesn’t blow up, and Purdy (the best bargain in all of pro football) can remotely approach last year’s numbers, San Francisco is going to be the team to beat in the NFC West.

2024-25 San Francsico 49ersWin Total

• Over 11.5 (+110)
• Under 11.5 (-140)

Of all the teams in the NFC West, the 49ers have the highest Over/Under total of 11.5 wins. They come into the season tied for the 12^th toughest schedule (.505) and are playing in a division that is theirs to lose.

With a Bye in Week 9, this team is set up to make a strong run not only at the division crown, but the Conference’s #1 seed as well.

The 49ers have a very winnable first half of the season with the Jets, Rams, Chiefs and Cowboys listed as their toughest matchups. With the way that the 49ers have owned the Cowboys as of late, I wouldn’t call this a tough matchup. I see at least 6-2 for San Francisco over the first eight games.

The back half of the schedule has three tough matchups at the Packers, at the AFC East Buffalo Bills and home against the Lions in Week 17. I don’t see the 49ers winning both Green Bay and Buffalo road games, and Detroit could potentially trip them up as well. With that said, the 49ers look like they can go at least 6-3 down the stretch and surpass this Over with at least 12 wins.

Bet: Over 11.5 (+110)

2024-25 San Francsico 49ersRecord After 5 Games

• 5 Wins (+140)
• 4 Wins (+190)
• 3 Wins (+300)
• 2 Wins (+650)
• 1 Win (+2200)
• 0 Wins (+8000)

Raise your hand if you think the 49ers can start off the season 5-0. Ok, let me rephrase that. Raise your hand if you think the 49ers can beat the Jets, Vikings, Rams, Patriots and Cardinals over the first five games of the season.

I’m raising my hand because I definitely think this team is going 5-0 even with a tough Week 1 matchup at home versus the Jets. The Rams could be tough too, but the 49ers are the cream of the crop in the NFC West.

Bet: 5 Wins (+140)

Will The San Francsico 49ersMake The 2024-25 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (-450)
• No (+320)

The 49ers are one of the biggest betting favorites to make the Playoffs this year. At the very least, they’re a Wild Card team. However, that would mean the Rams, Seahawks or Cardinals greatly surpassed expectations and won the NFC West. I just don’t see that happening. The 49ers are definitely a Playoff team this season and these odds are only going to increase as the season progresses.

2024 Los Angeles Rams Season Preview

Last year, the Los Angeles Rams came down the stretch strong; winning seven of their last eight contests and claiming one of the three NFC Wild Card spots. Unfortunately, the Rams lost 24-to-23 against the NFC North champs Detroit.

Stafford missed two games last year due to injury, but threw for 3965 yards and a ratio of 24 TD passes to eleven interceptions. If he gets banged up a little too much, the Rams may not be in bad shape with Jimmy Garoppolo backing him up.

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp was also limited last year due to injuries. However, the Rams and McVay got lucky with a rookie wide receiver in Puka Nacua who caught 105 passes for 1486 yards. Kupp says he’s feeling great and can get back to the 100-catch level this season. That would be trouble for all opposing secondaries.

McVay customarily wants to rely heavily on the ground game. And again, he was fortunate last year in unearthing a go-to back. Kyren Williams, a second-year player out of Notre Dame, only played twelve regular season games but ran for 1144 yards. His per-game average (95.3) led the league. And he can get some relief from rookie Blake Corum, who scored TDs for the College Football Champions Michigan Wolverines.

The Rams defense suffered a huge loss with the retirement of all-time great Aaron Donald. So there has to be a plan to address the defensive line in his absence. Their first two draft picks were Florida State defenders. Jared Verse is an edge rusher who will line up opposite Kobie Turner, who had more sacks than any other rookie in 2023. Braden Fiske is a defensive tackle who has been touted as someone who can get a lot of push up the middle.

The Rams have brought back Darious Williams to play one of the corner positions, and they hope to have Tre’Davious White in action at some point. White, who was an All-Pro in Buffalo, signed a one-year, $8.5 million free agent contract, and has been out since Week 4 of the ’23 season with a torn Achilles. At the safety spot, Kamren Curl comes aboard after playing in Washington last season. With the news faces, can the Rams find success on defense?

2024-25 Los Angeles RamsWin Total

• Over 8.5 (-150)
• Under 8.5 (+120)

Like the 49ers, the Rams are tied for the 12^th toughest schedule this season (.505). Their first five games are going to be tough. So, if they get off to a poor start, this team can hit the reset button during their Week 6 Bye and get on the right track for the rest of the year.

Coming out of the Bye, the Rams have four winnable games over a five week stretch: AFC West’s Las Vegas Raiders, Vikings, Seahawks and Patriots. To close out the season, I see the Rams picking up wins against the Saints, Cardinals and Seahawks. Unfortunately, they do have some tough matchups against Miami, Philly, the 49ers and the Jets.

I do see the Rams winning at least seven of their final 11 games. And, I do see them winning at least two games in the first five weeks. I believe LA will be a 10-win team on the year. This offense is going to be one of the best in the NFC.

Bet: Over 8.5 wins (-150)

2024-25 Los Angeles RamsRecord After 5 Games

• 2 Wins (+185)
• 3 Wins (+240)
• 1 Win (+300)
• 4 Wins (+500)
• 0 Wins (+950)
• 5 Wins (+2200)

The first five weeks is going to be challenging as the Rams take on the Lions, Cardinals, 49ers, Bears and Packers. Fortunately, they get the 49ers and Packers at home. I see the Rams beating the Cardinals and Bears. I also see them splitting the 49ers and Packers games. So, we’re looking at a 3-2 stretch to kick off the year.

Bet: 3 Wins (+240)

Will The Los Angeles RamsMake The 2024-25 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (+100)
• No (-130)

I love the value of the “Yes” option for this NFL prop bet. I have the Rams making the Playoffs as a Wild Card team. I think they can join the NFC East’s Cowboys and the NFC North’s Packers as the three Wild Card teams for the NFC Conference. The NFC South will be lucky to get one team in the Playoffs as the division winner.

I really like this offense, especially with a healthy Stafford and Kupp. If their defense can play as a Top 15 unit, then we’re looking at the 49ers’ biggest hurdle in the NFC West Division.

Bet: Yes (+100)

2024 Seattle Seahawks Season Preview

Well, it goes without saying that there’s a new era in the Pacific Northwest with Pete Carroll having been more or less pushed out of his coaching job, and Michael MacDonald taking over as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks.

The 36-year-old comes off a stint as D-coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens, and last year they became the first defense to lead the NFL in least points allowed, most sacks, and most turnovers created.

So, Macdonald is the guy who everybody now wants to follow. Of course, a few years ago Brandon Staley was the “it” guy with his defensive scheme, and things did not work out well for him as a head coach.

In 2023, the Seahawks allowed more first downs than any team in the NFL, and they were next to last against the run. Macdonald has his work cut out for him, and the ‘Hawks, who lost linebackers Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks, reached out to sign Jerome Baker. Along the line, Johnathan Hankins comes on board, and defensive tackle Byron Murphy (Texas), a touted run-stopper, was selected with their top pick in the draft.

Contract issues don’t guarantee that QB Geno Smith will be in Seattle beyond this year, so the team went out an acquired Sam Howell, Washington’s starter last season, whose talent he likes very much. If Smith slips up, the future could be now for the former Tar Heel.

There are still receivers who are more than capable (including DK Metcalf), as well as a running back in Kenneth Walker who is explosive at times. But the Seahawks don’t want to get into a situation where they have to outgun people because the defense isn’t ready yet. A lot of pressure will be on Smith and this offense for the 2024-25 season.

2024-25 Seattle Seahawks Win Total

• Over 7.5 (-135)
• Under 7.5 (+105)

The Seahawks are tied with the 24^th toughest schedule (.488). They will play nine games before enjoying a well-timed Week 10 Bye. I see this team getting out to a quick start, but then dropping five of their next seven games and heading into the Bye Week with a 4-5 record at best.

Following the Bye, Seattle has games against the 49ers, Packers, Jets, Rams and at Chicago. I also don’t see this team sweeping the Cardinals this year either. At best, they go 3-5 down the stretch, which puts them just short of going Over 7.5 wins.

It’s certainly possible that the Seahawks finish 8-9 or even 9-8. However, with a new coach, new offensive and defensive systems, a retooled defense, and tons of pressure on QB Smith, I just don’t see this team hitting the Over.

Bet: Under 7.5 wins (+105)

2024-25 Seattle Seahawks Record After 5 Games

• 3 Wins (+200)
• 2 Wins (+250)
• 4 Wins (+300)
• 1 Win (+500)
• 5 Wins (+700)
• 0 Wins (+2000)

Seattle will get off to a quick start with wins over the Broncos and the Patriots. Unfortunately, I see them dropping the next two against Miami and Detroit. They should be able to bounce back with a home victory over the Giants in Week 5 and go 3-2 over their first five weeks.

Sadly, things will fall to pieces after that 3-2 mark as they have games against the 49ers, Falcons, Bills and Rams before their Bye. Fortunately for us, we’re only looking at the first five weeks.

Bet: 3 Wins (+200)

Will The Seattle Seahawks Make The 2024-25 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (+175)
• No (-225)

Unless this team makes a few trades or remarkable free agent signings before the season starts, there’s no way that they’re making the Playoffs. They would need to win at least 10 games just to fight for a Wild Card spot and I don’t see that happening.

Additionally, they have no shot at winning the NFC West. Unfortunately for Seattle fans, it’s going to be at least another season before the 12^th man gets to cheer on the Seahawks in the Playoffs.

Bet: No (-225)

2024 Arizona Cardinals Season Preview

The Arizona Cardinals were able to poach Jonathan Gannon from the Eagles’ coaching staff, but it came with a price, and that was consistent with the team’s reputation as a dysfunctional organization.

They interviewed Gannon before Philadelphia met Kansas City in the Super Bowl, and that is against NFL rules. So, they got fined and penalized in the draft. But their misery also spilt over onto the field as well.

QB Kyler Murray missed the first half of last season with an injury, and in the eight games he started he had 10 touchdown passes with five interceptions. Admittedly the team’s offense looked livelier than it had been under the previous starter, Joshua Dobbs.

The Cards finished fourth in the NFL in rushing last year, averaging five yards a carry. That was the same average James Conner, the feature back, compiled. Of course, there was also Murray scampering around. Some fans and pundits are hoping that Murray can pattern his game more like Lamar Jackson, quarterback of the AFC North’s Baltimore Ravens.

It was the objective of the front office to round out this offense in the off-season. They certainly had to compensate for the departures of Rondale Moore and Marquise Brown. By all accounts, first-round draft pick Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State) looks like he’s going to be a top-level receiver in the league.

General manager Monti Ossenfort also grabbed Florida State running back Trey Benson, adding to a group that includes Conner, Emari Demercado and Michael Carter.

All of this is fine and dandy, but the Cards couldn’t stop anyone last year, and that had to stick in Gannon’s craw. A former assistant with Atlanta, Tennessee, Minnesota and Indianapolis, he had been defensive coordinator for the NFC champion Eagles two seasons ago.

This team gave up 32 touchdown passes, had only 33 sacks (its lowest total since 2020) and yielded 4.7 yards per rush attempt. Arizona has brought in new blood for the stop unit. Defensive tackles Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols were added, as was Sean Murphy-Bunting to the secondary. In the draft the Cards had eleven picks, and among them were edge rusher Darius Robinson and cornerback Max Melton of Rutgers, who brings an unusual amount of speed to the table.

Will the Cardinals be able to turn things this year, or will they have another futile question that puts their immediate future in doubt.

2024-25 Arizona CardinalsWin Total

• Over 6.5 (-160)
• Under 6.5 (+130)

If Arizona is a better team this year, it certainly won’t translate into wins early on. Although they have the 24^th toughest schedule (.488), this team has a brutal stretch of games to start off the year. A Week 11 Bye will definitely help to refocus and try to finish off the year strong, but it might be too late by then.

Arizona plays the Bills, Rams, Lions, Commanders, 49ers, Packers, Chargers, Dolphins, Bears and Jets all before their Bye Week.  Realistically, their only chances at victories are against Washington, Chargers and Bears. All three of those games are at home. I see a 3-7 team heading into the Bye Week.

Following the Bye, Arizona has two against Seattle, the Vikings, Patriots, Panthers, Rams and 49ers. That Week 18 matchup against San Francisco might be easy if the 49ers are resting their players. I can see Arizona beating the Vikings, Seattle once and the Panthers. That means they need a win against the Patriots or 49ers at end of the season to hit the Over.

Call me crazy, but I think Arizona finishes with at least seven wins. Take the Over.

Bet: Over 6.5 wins (-160)

2024-25 Arizona Cardinals Record After 5 Games

• 2 Wins (+170)
• 1 Win (+250)
• 3 Wins (+250)
• 0 Wins (+750)
• 4 Wins (+750)
• 5 Wins (+4000)

Arizona plays the Bills, Rams, Lions, Commanders and 49ers over the first five weeks of the season. At best, they’re 1-4 and that’s only if they can beat the Commanders. Since that game is at home, I’m giving them the victory. However, I wouldn’t fault you for looking at the “0 Wins” option of +750 odds and taking a flier.

Bet: 1 Win (+250)

Will The Arizona Cardinals Make The 2024-25 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (+300)
• No (-400)

The Cardinals have no shot at making the Playoffs and will most likely finish last in the division. Many pundits have them right there with the Patriots, AFC South’s Titans, Panthers, Giants and Commanders as the worst teams in the league. They’re a year or two away from contending for an NFC Wild Card spot, but at least there is light at the end of this tunnel. Another strong draft next year and we could be looking at the Cardinals rising from the ashes.

Bet: No (-400)

NFC West Division Odds

• San Francsico 49ers -210
• Los Angeles Rams +350
• Seattle Seahawks +750
• Arizona Cardinals +1200

Since the 2002 realignment, the Cardinals have won the NFC West on three occasions. Unfortunately, it’s going to be a few more years before they are truly contenders for a divisional crown. The Seahawks have the most NFC West titles since 2002 with nine. Yet, they’re out of this race for at least another year due to an inferior roster to the 49ers.

The Rams are my sleeper team to make the Playoffs as a Wild Card entry. I really like this offense and I believe they will get some quality defensive play by time we reach December. However, they won’t be winning their 4^th NFC West title.

The 49ers have won six divisional crowns, including over the last two years. In reality, the NFC West is theirs to lose and I don’t see it happening. I believe they will win this division by at least two games.

NFL Bet: San Francsico 49ers -210

NFC West Exact Order Of The Division

The Cardinals are definitely finishing last in the NFC West, but it won’t be by much. I have them winning seven games and the Seahawks winning eight at the most. I think Arizona is going to be a tough out each week, especially with divisional games. They certainly won’t finish 0-6 in the NFC West this year.

The Rams will finish second despite what oddsmakers think with their O/U of 8.5 wins and favoring them to miss the Playoffs. I see LA as a 10-win team and a Wild Card entry. With that said, the 49ers are the head of the class in this division and will finish first.

Bet: 49ers 1^st (-210), Rams 2^nd (+135), Seahawks (+160), Cardinals 4^th (-130)

NFC West Division Top 2 Finishing Position

• San Francisco 49ers & Los Angeles Rams (-130)
• San Francisco 49ers & Seattle Seahawks (+240)
• San Francisco 49ers & Arizona Cardinals (+350)
• Los Angeles Rams & Seattle Seahawks (+1600)
• Seattle Seahawks & Arizona Cardinals (+2500)
• Los Angeles Rams & Arizona Cardinals (+4000)

If you have read the entire NFC West preview up to this point, then it’s safe to say you already know which betting option to take for this NFL prop. The 49ers and Rams will finish as the top two seeds in the West, and it’s not even close.

Bet: San Francisco 49ers & Los Angeles Rams (-130)