Rams Open as Odds-On Favorites to Win NFC West in 2019; Seahawks Given Better Odds Than 49ers

• The Rams are the odds-on favorite to win the NFC West in 2019
• The Seahawks, who went 10-6 last year, are only slightly ahead of the 49ers, who were 4-12
• Which team presents the best value to win the West?

Following two straight NFC West division titles and a berth in last year’s Super Bowl, the Los Angeles Rams are, unsurprisingly, favored in sportsbooks early NFL divisional futures odds.

2019 NFC West Divisional Odds

*Odds taken April 23rd

In 2018, Los Angeles finished three games clear of its next closest pursuer – the Seattle Seahawks (10-6) – with the 49ers (4-12) and Cardinals (3-13) having lost years.

Are the Rams still the best bet to take the division?

Rams Positioned for Three-peat

Considering they just made it to the Super Bowl, the Rams have been very fortunate that there hasn’t been a mass exodus of talent leaving California. In fact, one could argue they’ve gotten even better with the additions of safety Eric Weddle and linebacker Clay Matthews.

Green Bay ➡️ LA

The making of @ClayMatthews52 in his new threads. pic.twitter.com/HWtnmX0693

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) March 21, 2019

The only potential cause for concern is the health of Todd Gurley, specifically his knee, which slowed him down towards the end of the 2018 season. There’s no reason to suggest LA won’t be flying high again this coming season provided Gurley recovers and Jared Goff continues his growth as a quarterback.

Last 5 NFC West Winners

Don’t Expect Cardinals or 49ers to Push Rams

Unless the Cardinals draft QB Kyler Murray first overall and he instantly becomes a generational talent, there isn’t much hope in the desert, particularly with a rookie head coach in Kliff Kingsbury.

The 49ers won’t have the weight of expectations that were lavished upon them entering last season – and QB Jimmy Garoppolo is expected to make a full recovery from his ACL injury.

Better together: Jimmy Garoppolo and Jerick McKinnon both talked about how helpful it’s been going through ACL rehab together #49ers pic.twitter.com/jA3RsLktIv

— Tracy Sandler (@TracyFGSN) April 17, 2019

The 49ers could draft a sensational talent with the second-overall pick, but the issue is the odds of +450 have an implied probability of 18.2%.

For a team that hasn’t sniffed .500 in the last five seasons, steer clear at that line and look for value elsewhere.

Seahawks Are Biggest Threat to Rams in NFC West

Last season, the Seahawks exceeded expectations with a 10-6 record and a Wild Card berth. They also took the Rams down to the wire twice, ultimately losing both contests.

Goff using @halleberry as an audible in the #Seahawks #Rams game is incredible 😂

(SOUND ON)pic.twitter.com/IPo5I7Qf65

— The Rush (@therushyahoo) November 11, 2018

Both their meetings this season will be in prime time, a Week 5 TNF tilt in Seattle and a Week 14 Sunday night barn burner in Los Angeles.

Important to note, the Seahawks will play four straight prime time games with a bye week in between. They’re dominant in prime time ever since Pete Carroll took over. Seattle is an NFL-best 23-5-1 in prime time since Carroll’s first season in 2010, so LA should expect some extra-stiff competition in those two contests.

Pete Carroll is now 16-2 at home in primetime games.#SEAvsMIN pic.twitter.com/Rj7NDyaOr9

— SportsLine (@SportsLine) December 11, 2018

Both teams were rather evenly matched last year, with the Rams better on offense and the Seahawks stronger on defense (to the surprise of many). With a year of seasoning for the new blood on Seattle’s D, they could catch the Rams.

Rams & Seahawks 2018 Season Ranks

Best Value Bet to Win NFC West

Without question, the Seahawks at +350 presents the best option to unseat Los Angeles; just don’t count on it being easy against a stacked Rams squad.