NFC West Bets: 2023 Win Total Predictions and Picks

The NFC West has been one of the most competitive divisions in the recent past, but 2023 looks more like a case of the haves and have-nots. The Rams and Cardinals may be the 2 worst teams in the conference, which will give the 49ers and Seahawks 4 games each that they should win. The division draws the AFC North and NFC East for their common division opponents that is a very tough draw. Below are my thoughts on how to play the BOVADA.LV season win totals for these squads, and a couple other bets.

San Francisco 49ers: Over 10.5 Wins (-145)

I am not all in on the 49ers this season, but I expect they are 4-0 against the Rams and Cards, meaning to win this bet they just need to win 7 out of their other 13 games. “Will Brock Purdy be ready for week 1” is all the talk of the off-season, as if Purdy is the second coming of Tom Brady. He had a nice run in the 8 games he started, but he is still a 7th round talent, now with a repaired elbow ligament, and he’s no Tom Brady, and probably a borderline starting QB for the remainder of his career. But the 49ers win with an elite running game and defense. Christian McCaffrey was at his best during the 8 games Purdy started, and fit perfect in Kyle Shanahan’s scheme. We should expect the same from him as long as he is healthy, making the quarterback position easier for Purdy or Sam Darnold if Purdy isn’t ready or sharp. The Niner defense allowed the fewest points in 2022, while ranking 11th in sacks. They added Javon Hargrave at Tackle to possibly give them a better defensive front that the Eagles in 2023. The defense has elite playmakers at each level of the defense, which should make new DC Steve Wilks feel like it is Christmas every day. When SF gets a lead, this defense will be a nightmare for opposing Quarterbacks. I also like Deebo Samuel Under 4 .5 touchdown receptions (-115).

Seattle Seahawks: Over 8.5 (-160)

BOVADA.LV is also offering Over 10.5 at +155, so the actual line should probably be 9.5. I feel like Over 8.5 is a good bet even at a high price. Last year my worst season win bet was the Seahawks Under, which was a loser in about week 8. After watching Geno Smith and Russell Wilson last year, it was obvious that Pete Carroll knows what he is doing and we shouldn’t doubt him. We should expect Smith to repeat his performance from last year, playing well against bad teams and average against the good teams. Jaxon Smith-Njigba joins D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett to form maybe the best receiving trio in the league. Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet make for a solid running back duo, meaning the Hawks should score a lot of points. Defensively they gave up a lot of points but were opportunistic, ranking 9th in both takeaways and sacks, so the defense can make an impact on the game when it counts. Bobby Wagner returns this year to anchor the defense which should push this unit up a notch. I think Smith gets a little better, and Seattle wins 9 or more games again this year. I also like Walker III under 950.5 rushing yards (-115) because I think Charbonnet eats into a lot of the carries.

Los Angeles Rams: Under 6.5 (-125)

Sean McVay and the Rams sold their soul for a Super Bowl, now the bill is coming due. This off-season they had the double-trouble of no salary cap room and no draft picks. The result of all of this is a horrible 53 man roster, even when you include one of the best defensive players and wide receivers in the league. Their only chance at winning 7 games is for QB Matthew Stafford to play at his 2021 level for all 17 games. With his injury history, and a porous offensive line that is not very likely. L.A. was 2-6 in games Stafford didn’t start last year, and only topped 20 points in 2 of those games. Even with Aaron Donald in the line-up, they only sacked opposing QB’s 38 times, and allowed 22 points per game. This year they will not have All-Pro defensive back Jalen Ramsey or sack leader Leonard Floyd. They may have the worst defense in the NFL. I like all of Kupp’s Unders – receptions, touchdowns and yards because I doubt Stafford plays in the second half of the year, and the back-up is Stetson Bennett.

Arizona Cardinals: Under 4.5 (-110)

Arizona must be in the worst position to compete of any NFL franchise. They have a mediocre run first QB making $50 million per year, who now is recovering from a torn ACL. They at least moved on from Kliff Kingsbury, though replacing him with Eagles DC Jonathan Gannon, and Browns QB coach Drew Petzing to run the offense doesn’t have me inspired. I think this is a franchise that has eyes on USC quarterback Caleb Williams to be their 2024 starter, so I don’t think we see Murray before at least November, and may not see him at all this year. Even if he plays, his only real skill is making 1 or 2 fabulous running plays in a game, which he will be hesitant to do coming off the injury. Arizona will rely on the plodding 28 year old James Conner to be their offensive centerpiece, with Colt McCoy throwing to Marquise Brown when the chips are down. Last year’s Cardinal defense allowed the second most points in the league, and didn’t do a lot to improve the unit this year. It’s hard to bet a team to win less than 5 games in the NFL, but it’s harder to bet this team to win 5. If you really want to live on the edge, play Under 2.5 wins at +340. Bet your Week 1 NFL picks for FREE by scoring a 100% REAL CASH bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $500 at the web’s oldest and most trusted sportsbook! Simply register for an account through this special link at Everygame Sportsbook, make your deposit, then go directly to their special offers page and enter bonus code PREDICTEM and they’ll match your deposit instantly! If you’re a small bettor that doesn’t have 100 bucks to deposit, you can get in on the action too! Simply follow the same process, deposit $25 and enter bonus code PREDICTEM200 and they’ll give you a free $50 in addition to your deposit!