NFL 2009 Wins Over/Unders – NFC West

It’s getting to be that time. Camps will start back up at the end of the month and the NFL season will only be weeks away. Hard to believe that it is already mid-July but that’s okay. What better to talk about on the “slowest day” in the sports world in recent months.

This is my first installment of the 2009 NFL wins over/unders. Unfortunately, I am starting out in the NFC West.

Arizona Cardinal – 8.5
We start off with a good one. The Cardinal’s were a surprise last year, especially at the end of the year. In our “what have you done lately” world, that is certainly fresh in peoples minds. The question is, have the Cardinals really turned that proverbial corner?

The NFC West has in recent years been, well, not the strongest of divisions. That has to help SOMEONE in the division. Last year it was indeed Arizona as they went 6-0 in the NFC West.

That plays into my analysis as I look at their actual 2009 schedule. They should definitely win over 8 games. Then I think to myself, man can the CARDINALS really win 9 or more games again–two years in a row. Counting potential wins out I have them doing precisely that.

Pick: Over 8.5

Seattle Seahawks – 7.5
Last year the Seahawks won just 4 games so taking the over means they would have to double their win total from last season. Not an easy accomplishment to achieve. Now, the team has improved. Most notably with the acquisition of TJ Houshmandzadeh.

This is the toughest one in this division for me to pick. I really do not know if they have improved as much as people (and the line) think they have. It might just be TJ Houshmandzadeh’s long-ass name that is spurring all of the Seattle hype.

I think it’s going to be close but I am going to say that TJ Houshmandzadeh can carry the Seahawks offense on his back. That is if there is room after that name is stitched on there.

Pick: Over 7.5

San Francisco 49ers – 7
Last year only one team won more than 7 games in the NFC West and that was the team we just discussed previously. There is no way that three NFC West teams break the 7 win mark this season. Based on that alone you can see where I am going.

Pick: Under 7

St. Louis Rams – 5.5
I love this line at 5.5. I think it is safe to say that this team will be under 6 wins for sure. They have to go to Washington, Jacksonville, Chicago, Tennessee for non-divisional games. Also on the slate is an away game with Detroit–a game that I’m sure Detroit will be looking to steal.

Pick: Under 5.5

Man, this is starting to get me more pumped for the upcoming season. I’m getting pumped and I’m talking about the NFC West–just imagine when I get to some contenders!