Arizona Cardinals

Key Additions: HB Edgerrin James (Colts)
WR Troy Walters (Colts)
DT Kendrick Clancy (Giants)

Key Losses: QB Josh McCown (Lions)

Just like 2005 there is a lot of optimism at Arizona Cardinals headquarters for the 2006 season. There is no question that the Cards have are one of the better teams in the NFC in terms of skill position offensive players. The problem continues to be the offensive line, which for whatever reason has not played very well for years. The defense, which was a team strength a couple of years ago has turned into a weakness. Outside of Bert Barry there really are no impact players on the defensive side of the ball. They really like Antrel Rolle, but he does not have a lot of in-game experience.

The Cardinals seem to be building what may prove to be one of the most potent offenses over the next 5 to 6 years, provided they can shore up that offensive line. However they do not have enough defensively to stay competitive in the NFC playoff picture.

Projected Record: 5-11

San Francisco 49ers

Key Additions: WR Antonio Bryant (Browns)
CB Walt Harris (Redskins)
G Larry Allen (Cowboys)
WR Bryan Gilmore (Dolphins)

Key Losses: FB Fred Beasley (Dolphins)
DE Andre Carter (Redskins)
WR Brandon Lloyd (Redskins)
LB Julian Peterson (Seahawks)

The San Francisco 49ers will surprise some people in 2006. Alex Smith has shown marked improvement over last season and should have a pretty solid sophomore season. Antonio Bryant and rookie Vernon Davis will prove to be some effective additions to an improving offense. The defense will continue to be a work in progress as it is being re-tooled in head coach Mike Nolan’s image.

The 49ers are still recovering from the salary cap hell they placed themselves in 5 years ago, however are quietly building a solid roster that should be a contender in the years to come.

Projected Record: 5-11

St. Louis Rams

Key Additions: CB Fakhir Brown (Saints)
SS Corey Chavous (Vikings)
DT Jason Fisk (Browns)
DT La’roi Glover (Cowboys)
QB Gus Frerotte (Dolphins)
LB Will Witherspoon (Panthers)
HB Tony Fisher (Packers)

Key Losses: DE Tyoka Jackson (Lions)
CB Corey Ivy (Ravens)
DT Damione Lewis (Panthers)
DT Ryan Pickett (Packers)
SS Adam Archuleta (Redskins)

The Rams have made a lot of changes on the defensive side of the ball, however they did not look any more effective in the pre-season as they did in the regular season in 2005. New head coach Scott Linehan will show a big commitment to the running game unlike the previous regime, and that should mean less time on the field for that stuggling defense. Offensively, Steven Jackson will get the opportunity to be the #1 back for the first time in his short NFL career.

While the defense should be improved over last season, it will not make a quantum leap. The offense should continue to be solid with Bulger, Holt, Bruce and the rest. But, at the end of the day the St. Louis Rams just don’t have enough to compete for a post-season berth.

Seattle Seahawks

Key Additions: WR Nate Burleson (Vikings)
OT Tom Ashworth (Patriots)
LB Julian Peterson (49ers)

Key Losses: CB Andre Dyson (Jets)
WR Joe Jurevicius (Browns)
G Steve Hutchinson (Vikings)
DE Rodney Bailey (Steelers)

The NFC Champs return with pretty much their entire roster returning. With the exception of All Pro guard Steve Hutchinson, and while Floyd Womack is no Steve Hutchinson, he is a solid player. The Seahawks will continue to be one of the NFL’s top offensive units with league MVP Shaun Alexander and the addition of speedster Nate Burleson. The defense may not be the best in the league, but should continue to be extremely stingy and the acquisition of Julian Peterson gives them even more speed at the linebacker position.

The Seahawks will run away with the NFC West and continue coach Mike Holmgren’s quest to win a championship without #4.

Projected Record: 11-5