(This is an AI-generated article from a recently published IDP+ Podcast transcript.)
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Arizona Cardinals: Defense Rebuilt, Murray Leads Steady Offense
To start this NFC West Betting preview, we are starting out in the desert. Arizona went 8–9 last year. The 2025 win total sits at 8.5. The defense was overhauled after losing Kyzir White, multiple linemen, and kicker Matt Prater. Additions include Josh Sweat, Calais Campbell, Dalvin Tomlinson, and rookie Walter Nolan. Rookie corner Will Johnson, finally healthy, joins Budda Baker to stabilize the secondary.
The offense remains mostly the same. Kyler Murray, James Conner, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Trey McBride headline the unit. Conner, with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and 400 receiving yards, is a safe late-round fantasy option. McBride is the second-ranked fantasy tight end, though touchdowns remain modest.
Bettors can target Kyler Murray’s 3,500-yard passing prop at even money. Harrison Jr.’s 6.5 touchdown line also offers value. With early games versus New Orleans, Carolina, Seattle, and Tennessee, winning four of five is realistic.
Best Bets:
- Marvin Harrison Jr. Over 6.5 TDs (+100)
- Over 8.5 Wins (-110)
- Kyler Murray Over 3,500 Passing Yards (+100)
- Cardinals to Win Four of First Five Games (+280)
Seattle Seahawks: Darnold, Smith-Njigba, and a Shaky Offense
Seattle finished 10–7 but enters 2025 with more questions than answers in order to compete for an NFC West title. Sam Darnold replaces Geno Smith. Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf are gone, leaving Cooper Kupp, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Jackson Smith-Njigba as the primary targets. The offensive line remains a liability with rookies expected to start.
Darnold is volatile, and Kupp appears past his prime. Smith-Njigba, however, projects as a top-15 fantasy wideout due to heavy target volume. Kenneth Walker III’s health remains shaky, while Zach Charbonnet offers late-round upside as part of a committee backfield.
Seattle’s win total hovers between 7.5 and 8.5. Unders pay plus money. Smith-Njigba’s 1,000-yard prop and Charbonnet’s 475.5 rushing yard line both carry value.
Best Bets:
- Under 7.5 Wins (+140)
- Zach Charbonnet Over 475.5 Rushing Yards (-110)
- Smith-Njigba 1,000+ Yards (+215)
- Two Wins in First Five Weeks (+215)
Los Angeles Rams: Stafford’s Health Drives Division Odds
Los Angeles went 10–7 last year but faces big roster changes. Cooper Kupp is gone. The offensive line reshuffled, and defensive depth took a hit. The Rams signed Davante Adams, rookie tight end Terris Ferguson, and veteran tackle DJ Humphries to stabilize the offense.
Matthew Stafford’s health is the key. At 37, with recurring elbow issues, one injury could derail the season. Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Kyren Williams form a top-tier fantasy trio if Stafford stays upright. Nacua is a top-three wideout despite last year’s PCL injury. Tutu Atwell is a sneaky late-round stash.
Best Bets:
- Rams to Win NFC West (+195)
- Rams to Win NFC (11-to-1)
- Puka Nacua Over 1,250 Yards (+110)
- Under 9.5 Wins (+120)
San Francisco 49ers: Injuries and Turnover Create Risk
San Francisco’s 10.5 win total feels inflated after a 6–11 season, finishing fourth in the West. Key departures include Deebo Samuel, Greenlaw, Hufanga, Hargrave, and Chavarius Ward. The defense leans heavily on Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. The offensive line lacks stability outside of Trent Williams, who turns 36 and battles injuries.
Christian McCaffrey returns from an Achilles injury disguised as a “calf strain” and a separate foot issue. Brandon Aiyuk is recovering from an ACL tear and may start on the PUP list. The passing game leans on George Kittle, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, and Demarcus Robinson. Jennings posted 975 yards last year. Robinson scored seven touchdowns for the Rams.
Best Bets:
- 49ers Under 10.5 Wins (-115)
- Alternate Under 8.5 Wins (+255)
- 49ers to Miss Playoffs (+165)
- George Kittle Over 1,000 Yards (+135)
- Jauan Jennings Over 850.5 Yards (-110)
Final Takeaways: Profitable NFC West Betting Strategies
This NFC West betting guide highlights a volatile division with clear betting angles. Back the Rams to win the division if Stafford stays healthy. Fade San Francisco’s lofty win total and playoff odds. Target Arizona and Seattle as underdogs, especially early in the year.
Health and depth will determine who wins the NFC West, but savvy bettors and fantasy players can profit every week.
Thank you for reading this article by @IDP_Plus. This article was created using IDP+ AI and edited by Derek Bennett (you can list this as IDP+ staff member if you wish). Be sure to check out the video above by The Degen Doc and Professor Locks, which this video is based on, talking about the NFC West. Follow @TheDegenDoc and @Prof_Lock2 on X!
