The latest episode of the Sideline Summit Podcast focused on predictions for the NFC and AFC West divisions ahead of the upcoming NFL season. The hosts discussed team performances, offseason changes, and potential outcomes for each division.
In the AFC West, the conversation began with the Las Vegas Raiders. The hosts examined the addition of Geno Smith and predicted the team could win seven or eight games, possibly surpassing their projected total of 6.5 wins. Turning to the Denver Broncos, there were differing views on Bo Nix’s development and how a strong defense might affect results, but most expected the Broncos to finish below their 9.5-win projection.
Optimism was higher for the Los Angeles Chargers. The hosts highlighted Justin Herbert’s continued improvement and new head coach Jim Harbaugh as reasons to expect more than 9.5 wins from the team this season.
The Kansas City Chiefs were unanimously viewed by the podcast hosts as likely to continue dominating their division. All expected them to comfortably exceed their 11.5 projected wins and remain contenders for the top seed in the American Football Conference.
In reviewing NFC West teams, analysis around Brock Purdy’s performance without some of his key receivers led most hosts to favor under 10.5 wins for the San Francisco 49ers this season.
For Arizona Cardinals fans, there was a sense of cautious optimism regarding quarterback Kyler Murray’s connection with rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., though opinions varied on whether they would eclipse their 8.5-win mark.
When considering the Seattle Seahawks, skepticism about Sam Darnold resulted in expectations that Seattle would not meet its projected total of 8.5 victories.
Most projections for the Los Angeles Rams were positive—hosts cited Davante Adams joining Matthew Stafford (assuming he remains healthy) as factors pushing them above a predicted total of 9.5 wins.
The podcast concluded by inviting listeners to participate through various platforms and teased that next week’s episode would address predictions for NFC East teams along with individual player awards for the coming NFL season.
