Going into the 2024 NFL season, each NFC West team has made changes in hopes of winning the Super Bowl. While some teams have a better chance of hoisting the Lombardi trophy than others, every team has at least one reason to hold onto hope.
Arizona Cardinals: K1 to MHJ Connection
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In recent years, dominant QB and WR duos have often propelled their teams to Super Bowl contention. A standout example is the 2021 season when Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase lifted the Bengals to the Super Bowl after a 2-14 season the year prior. With the 4th pick in the 2024 draft, the Cardinals selected Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State University. MHJ capped off his 2023 season with over 1200 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.
Kyler Murray hasn’t had a premier WR since De’Andre Hopkins departed after the 2022 season. The two thrived together in 2021, leading the Cardinals to the playoffs and famously connecting on the Hail Murray play to secure a win against Buffalo. If Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. can forge a connection akin to the league’s top duos, the 2024 Cardinals have boundless potential.
Los Angeles Rams: Puka Nacua Year 2
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One of the standout surprises last season was the emergence of 5th-round pick Puka Nacua. He quickly became Matthew Stafford’s top target in the absence of Cooper Kupp. Nacua shattered rookie records with 105 receptions for 1,481 yards. Nacua’s rookie performance propelled the Rams into the playoffs. With a fully healthy Cooper Kupp and the explosive Puka Nacua, Matthew Stafford has all the tools needed to bring another Super Bowl title to the Los Angeles Rams.
San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy on a Discount
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The 49ers have been a dominant force in the NFC. They have made four NFC Championship game appearances in the last five years. A key factor in their sustained success has been their cost-effective quarterback strategy. In 2024, Brock Purdy will only consume 0.34% of the total salary cap. That allows the 49ers financial flexibility to retain their star players. Notably, Christian McCaffery signed a lucrative two-year, $38 million contract. With Purdy’s affordable contract window narrowing, the 49ers are focused on capitalizing now and clinching a Super Bowl title before financial realities dictate otherwise.
Seattle Seahawks: Mike Macdonald’s Modern Defense
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Following a disappointing 2023 season that led to the dismissal of head coach Pete Carroll, Seattle’s defensive struggles were particularly glaring. They ranked 30th in the NFL by yielding over 370 yards per game. The Seattle Seahawks have pivoted to a new era under the youngest head coach in franchise history, 36-year-old Mike Macdonald. Known for his success as defensive coordinator at Michigan and with the Baltimore Ravens, Macdonald consistently helmed top-ten scoring defenses. With a roster brimming with young defensive talents like Riq Woolen, Devon Witherspoon, and recent draftee Byron Murphy II, Seattle aims to replicate Macdonald’s defensive success. If successful, Seattle could be poised to claim the Lombardi Trophy this season.
