Predictions
1. Seattle Seahawks
Owners of the division’s best combination of talent and experience. Having a loaded defense doesn’t hurt either.
2. Arizona Cardinals
On the rise? Perhaps. But questions at quarterback and a stagnant rushing attack present issues.
3. St. Louis Rams
Great in spots but outright porous in others. Can Linehan survive another year?
4. San Francisco 49ers
Only three significant weakness, but all of them damning: quarterback, offensive line, coaching staff.

Best Offseason Move
The Seattle Seahawks saying goodbye to Shaun Alexander.

Worst Offseason Move
The 49ers guaranteeing $20 million to solid but not spectacular defensive end Justin Smith, a 4-3 prototype who doesn’t fit their scheme.

Biggest Question
What impact will the fact that this is Mike Holmgren’s last season have on the Seahawks?

Quick Hits
Team Bests
Passing Game 1 Cardinals, 2 Rams, 3 Seahawks, 4 Niners
Running Game 1 Rams, 2 Niners, 3 Seahawks, 4 Cardinals
Offensive Line 1 Seahawks, 2 Cardinals, 3 Rams, 4 Niners
Pass Rush 1 Seahawks, 2 Cardinals, 3 Rams, 4 Niners
Run Defense 1 Seahawks, 2 Niners, 3 Cardinals, 4 Rams
Pass Defense 1 Seahawks, 2 Niners, 3 Rams, 4 Cardinals
Special Teams 1 Niners, 2 Rams, 3 Cardinals, 4 Seahawks
Coaching Staff 1 Seahawks, 2 Cardinals, 3 Rams, 4 Niners
Front Office 1 Seahawks, 2 Cardinals, 3 Niners, 4 Rams
Home Field Advantage 1 Seahawks, 2 Rams, 3 Cardinals, 4 Niners

Player Bests
Pure Athlete Julian Peterson, Seahawks
Big Play Threat Patrick Willis, 49ers
Gets Most out of Talent Frank Gore, 49ers
Gets Least out of Talent Matt Leinart, Cardinals
Breakout Prospects Tye Hill, Rams
Manny Lawson, 49ers
Levi Brown, Cardinals
Breakdown Prospects Corey Chavous, Rams
Jonas Jennings, 49ers
Leonard Little, Rams
Best Leader Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks
Unsung Hero Michael Lewis, 49ers
Impact Rookie Chris Long, Rams

ALL-NFC WEST TEAM
Offense
QB    Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks
RB    Steven Jackson, Rams
FB    Leonard Weaver, Seahawks
WR    Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals
WR    Anquan Boldin, Cardinals
TE    Vernon Davis, 49ers
LT    Walter Jones, Seahawks
LG    Jacob Bell, Rams
C    Chris Spencer, Seahawks
RG    Deuce Lutui, Cardinals
RT    Levi Brown, Cardinals

Defense
DE    Patrick Kerney, Seahawks
DT    Darnell Dockett, Cardinals
DT    Adam Carriker, Rams
DE    Darryl Tapp, Seahawks
OLB    Julian Peterson, Seahawks
ILB    Patrick Willis, 49ers
ILB    Lofa Tatupu, Seahawks
OLB    Karlos Dansby, Cardinals
CB    Marcus Trufant, Seahawks
FS    Oshiomogho Atogwe, Rams
SS    Adrian Wilson, Cardinals
CB    Tye Hill, Rams

Specials
K    Josh Brown, Rams
P    Andy Lee, 49ers
RS    Dante Hall, Rams
ST    Aaron Francisco, 49ers

Andy Benoit is the author of the NFL preview book series Touchdown. His work has drawn praise from Chris Berman, John Madden, Rick Reilly, Steve Sabol and Tony Kornheiser, among others. You can view all of Andy’s content at www.NFLTouchdown.com