NFC West power rankings: Where Seahawks stand heading into the 2024 season

We are almost there, Seattle Seahawks fans! The regular season is a week away when Seattle hosts the Denver Broncos at Lumen Field on September 8. Denver is beatable and so is Seattle's Week 2 opponent, the New England Patriots, so a 2-0 start is nearly a must for the Seahawks.

In fact, if Seattle drops one of the games - or worse, they lose both - then the following power rankings will look completely different heading into Week 3. Based on offseason moves and the 2023 season, the presumed standings seem pretty set and will follow last year's in the NFC West. The division is loaded.

It is easy to forget that even while Seattle missed the playoffs last year, they were only one win away from being in the postseason. That would have pushed three NFC West teams into the postseason. There is a very real chance that does happen this season.

NFC West power rankings: Can the Seahawks win the division?

4. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals could have a loaded offense with a healthy Kyler Murray and 2024 draft pick Marvin Harrison, Jr. Plus, while Arizona did not have a good record last year - they were 4-13 - they played better than their record and they never stopped putting up a fight. That is due to a coaching staff getting the players to buy in quickly to a future vision of the team.

Arizona's defense will probably be atrocious this year, however, and that is likely to keep them from battling for anything but last place in a loaded NFC West. The Cardinals will be better in 2025 and beyond, but they are not quite there in 2024.

3. Seattle Seahawks

Ranking the Seahawks at number three is certainly meant as no disrespect. The NFC West could feature three playoff teams this season. The question will be how much the teams beat up on each other. With Seattle, the defense should be improved and the offensive efficiency should be better. Quarterback Geno Smith could have the best season of his career under new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.

In the last two seasons, even with a terrible defense, especially against the run, Seattle managed to go 9-8. If the defense is improved then a record of 10-7 (at least) would not be a surprise. That could be enough to get the Seahawks into the postseason where they could be quite dangerous.

2. Los Angeles Rams

The hope for 12s is that whatever magic Rams head coach Sean McVay had over former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll is gone with new Seattle coach Mike Macdonald. We still have to see that occur to believe the Rams won't somehow beat Seattle in most meetings now and into the future.

Last year was the season the Rams were expected to take a dip. Instead, they defeated Seattle twice, went 10-7, and made the playoffs. Even with the loss of retired defensive lineman Aaron Donald, LA likely got better this offseason. Their offensive line is excellent, their defense always seems to be good, and the Matthew Stafford to Puka Nacua connection is just beginning to roll.

1. San Francisco 49ers

Listing any other team as number one knowing what we think we know about each team would be dishonest. The 49ers lost another Super Bowl last season, but they have the roster to get back to the championship game this season. The group has no real weaknesses in any phase of the game.

San Francisco also ended any potential drama heading into the season when they signed wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to a four-year extension this week. Is that going to cause the 49ers to have a heck of a lot of cap issues in future years since the team also has to find the money to sign quarterback Brock Purdy too? Yes, but that is not a concern in 2024.

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