2026 NFC West season preview: Prediction, record, rosters, strengths and weaknesses
The Post’s Mark Cannizzaro previews the NFC South for the 2026 season.Coach: Sean McVay2025 record: 12-5 | 2026 O/U: 10.5Key additions: Edge Myles Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, was added to an already talented defensive front.As was DT Aaron Donald, the former star who un-retired to play one more year.
CB Trent McDuffie, the former Chief, plays both outside and in the slot.QB Ty Simpson, drafted from Alabama in the first round, is a potential eventual successor to Matthew Stafford.Key departures: RT Rob Havenstein, CB Darious Williams, WR Tutu Atwell, CB Cobie Durant, CB Ahkello Witherspoon, CB Roger McCreary, edge Jared Verse.First-and-goal: Matthew Stafford was the NFL MVP in 2025 and leads a loaded roster.
The defense, already a strength, got stronger with the addition of Garrett and return of Donald.DT Kobie Turner, in his first three seasons in LA, has 24 sacks and 43 QB hits, and could be freed up with the presence of Garrett.Fourth-and-long: Rams face possibility of losing both star WR Puca Nacua and starting LT Alaric Jackson to suspensions for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy.
Both cases have not yet been ruled on by the NFL.Nacua is the Rams top receiver — and one of the best in the NFL.
Jackson would be replaced by David Quessenberry, who hasn’t played more than 400 snaps in a season since 2021 when he played for the Titans.Prediction: 13-4.The additions of Donald and Garrett make the defense scary.
Even at 38, Stafford still looks at the top of his game.Coach: Mike Macdonald2025 record: 14-3 | 2026 O/U: 10.5Key additions: Edge Dante Fowler, who’s recorded at least 30 pressures in every season, will replace Boye Mafe.RB Jadarian Price, a first-round draft pick, should step in to replace departed Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker as the lead back.
S Bud Clark and CB Julian Neal were Day 2 draft picks, though Clark was lost for the season with a broken ankle.Key departures: OC Klint Kubiak, RB Kenneth Walker ...