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2011 NFC West Lines | NFL Preview

Dave B breaks down the 2011 NFC West betting future odds, and gives a free NFL predictions for futures betting on the 2011-2012 NFC West. The leader in NFL Gambling & NFL Handicapping…

NFL Divisional Previews – 2011 NFC West Betting Breakdown

The 2011-2012 NFL season is looming but unfortunately so is the unfortunate Lockout. The eternal optimist that I am, I have compiled odds and predictions for each division in the knowledge that the owners and the players cannot be as ridiculous as they look.

The weakest division in NFL history will once again be WIDE OPEN in 2011 and once again, the San Francisco 49ers appears as though they are ready to break out. We have seen this picture before haven’t we? Sam Bradford looked like the real deal last season and could propel the Rams toward a division title this season while the other two teams in the division appear to have a lot more questions than answers going into the 2011 season.

So who wins the underwhelming and unpredictable NFC West?

San Francisco 49ers

Odds To Win NFC West even
Odds To Win Super Bowl +4000

Once again the San Francisco 49ers will enter the season with a new coach and lofty expectations. And unfortunately for 49ers fans, they will head into 2011 with a familiar quarterback – Alex Smith will likely get yet another chance to prove that he is the man for the job. With Jim Harbaugh taking over the team as head coach hopes are that a little stability is all that Alex and the rest of the team needs to get over the hump. Harbaugh has had “Luck” with quarterbacks in the past but with a questionable Offensive Line, this team is destined for mediocrity again.

49ers NFC West Prediction: The West will be weak again making the 49ers a decent bet to take the crown. But in a quarterback driven league, I expect Smith to struggle as per usual and for the 49ers to finish 8-8 and in Second Place in the NFC West.

St Louis Rams

Odds To Win NFC West +275
Odds To Win Super Bowl +6000

The Rams have a decent formula for success especially in an ultra-weak division. They have a great young quarterback and a solid veteran running back, they are building a stout defense and they have a coach that has tasted success in the past. Add in the potential of a Top Flight Free Agent Wideout joining the team (Plaxico Burress) and suddenly the Rams look like the team to beat. The Rams almost got there last year – Bradford and the rest of the team should feel a whole lot more comfortable going into this season.

Rams NFC West Prediction: St. Louis has become a very interesting and exciting team to watch. They focused on defense in the draft and largely ignored an Offensive Line that had troubles at times protecting Bradford and opening holes for Steven Jackson. With an OK 9-7 record, the Rams should take the West and start a long run at the top of their division. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Arizona Cardinals

Odds To Win NFC West +300
Odds To Win Super Bowl +6000

There is not a whole lot to like about the Arizona Cardinals going into the 2011-2012 season except for Larry Fitzgerald! But with absolutely nobody to throw him the ball, his hype takes a major hit as well. However, the Cards could make a move in Free Agency when the lockout ends and if they do; I would consider them a slight challenger in the West. The Cards had one of the worst defenses and worst offenses in the league last year and have done nothing in the offseason (obviously as the lockout prevented all roster moves) to improve. Arizona missed some opportunities to improve along their Offensive and Defensive lines in the draft – not good!

Cardinals NFC West Prediction: There is no team that needs the Free Agency Window to open more than the Cardinals. They may improve slightly when they are able to add a few players but realistically this team is too many pieces short of becoming a contender. A 6-10 sounds about right!

Seattle Seahawks

Odds To Win NFC West +600
Odds To Win Super Bowl +10000

The Seattle Seahawks tasted some Playoff success last season despite finishing below .500. Will this happen again? Likely not! There are just too many holes to fill, too many problems on the team for my liking. First off, who is going to be the quarterback? Matt Hasselbeck isn’t likely to return to the team leaving Charlie Whitehurst – UGH! The running game, the Offensive line and the Defense were also a disaster last year. Coach Pete Carroll has shown a propensity to make a ton of roster moves in order to tweak his team – but without a full offseason to tweak, Carroll could enter the season lost.

Seahawks NFC West Prediction: I have faith in Pete Carroll but I think that he has way too many issues to address in too short amount of time (assuming that the Lockout ends early in the summer). Once the Hawks have a quarterback, their chances may improve but as the team stands 8-8 is certainly a stretch. Quarterback or not, the Hawks are still better than Arizona!

As Always Comments Are Welcome Below!!!

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2011 Divisional Previews

2011 NFC North Futures
2011 NFC West Futures
2011 NFC South Futures
2011 NFC East Futures
2011 AFC North Futures
2011 AFC West Futures
2011 AFC South Futures
2011 AFC East Futures

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By DaveB

Dave B has been a Fantasy Football writer for us for 10 years. A couch potato wannabe, Dave’s insights have been read by 10’s of people for years. He hope’s for world peace + global relaxation. Enjoy and remember only smoke things that are completely natural.