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St. Louis Rams (9-7): He, who during the struggle with steel in the deed of war, will have carried off the prize from on greater than he?

This isn’t the toughest division in the league…OK, it stinks. But the Rams are headed in the right direction and have a quarterback ready to take a big step forward.

Offense: Will Sam Bradford maintain the momentum gained from a successful rookie season? Can Steven Jackson repeat his stellar 2010 campaign?

Crystal Ball Says: Bradford performed well in 2010…for a rookie. He completed 60% of his passes for 3,512 yards, 18 TDs and 15 INTs. Those are solid rookie numbers, but if he doesn’t improve them, it won’t be seen as a successful sophomore season. It’s simple: reduce the interceptions and increase the touchdowns. With new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels on board, I believe he’ll do exactly that. McDaniels may have been a train wreck as a head coach, but his record as OC of the Patriots is a solid one. Bradford succeeded last season despite not having a lot of offensive weaponry with which to work. The Rams have tried to supply him with more in the off-season. They drafted wide outs Austin Pettis and Greg Salas, and tight end Lance Kendricks. Of the 3, only Kendricks seems to have adjusted to life as a pro; Pettis and Salas have been disappointments so far. That’s a shame, because the Rams will use plenty of 4 wide receiver sets. Danny Amendola, the 2010 league leader in all-purpose yards, will start along with Brandon Gibson, who has great hands. However, they’ll rarely be the only two wide receivers on the field when the team has the ball. Former Jaguar Mike Sims-Walker was acquired, and his scoring record speaks for itself. Danario Alexander will also see plenty of targets if his knees will allow him to. He’s a deep threat, something the Rams need. I cannot blame the Rams for parting ways with Donnie Avery, who is now a free agent. This receiving corps is plenty deep enough to successfully run McDaniels’ system, but the jewel of the offensive crown might be Kendricks. He’s a wide receiver in a tight end’s body; he’s big, has great hands, and is fast enough to get up the middle of the field effectively. Essentially, he’s going to open things up for Bradford. If Cadillac Williams and Jerious Norwood can remain healthy, that’ll help Jackson maintain a full tank. Jackson is a fine receiver in his own right. Suddenly, Bradford has plenty of options. The offensive line, led by bookend youngsters Rodger Saffold (LT) and Jason Smith (RT), is inconsistent. It’s not a bad line; it just needs time to mature.

Defense: Was last year’s improvement a sign of things to come, or a result of a soft schedule?

Crystal Ball Says: Ask again later. It’s probably a bit of each; the Rams had a pretty easy schedule last season, but they made a leap from 31st in points allowed in 2009 to 12th in the category last season. The key was getting pressure on the opposing quarterback. Ends Chris Long and James Hall were the ones supplying the heat. Long finally had the season the Rams had been waiting for, registering 8.5 sacks and providing relentless pressure in every game. Hall led the team with 10.5 sacks and forced 6 fumbles. Both men have non-stop motors, which is important when you’re trying to build something like Coach Spags is. Youngsters like rookie pass-rusher-in-waiting Robert Quinn will learn from that. But youth isn’t the only thing served by the enthusiasm of the ends; veteran Fred Robbins had a tremendous season anchoring the interior of the line. Robbins had 6 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and deflected 7 passes, all while stuffing the run like a madman. It’s unlikely he’ll be able to replicate those numbers, but he looked like a man reborn in St. Louis last year. Middle linebacker James Laurinaitis is going to be a perennial Pro Bowler. He took to the pro game immediately as a tackling machine and improved throughout the season, turning areas of weakness—coverage, pass rushing—into ones of strength. His drafting was a stroke of genius, considering some (like me) thought it was a reach. Brady Poppinga, imported from Green Bay, and former Viking Ben Leber will add experience and run-stopping ability to the unit. In the secondary, cornerback is not a problem. Ron Bartell is one of the most underrated players at the position, likely because he doesn’t register interceptions. However, he covers like few others and breaks up passes with regularity. Opposite Bartell will be Bradley Fletcher, a former third-round pick in 2009. His 2010 was a solid one, especially since his rookie season was cut short due to injury. Fletcher had 4 interceptions last season and proved his worth as a tackler, racking up 91 in 2010. Free safety O.J. Atogwe departed for Washington, but the Rams aren’t going to miss him. Quentin Mikell comes in to replace him, having played for Spagnuolo in Philadelphia. Mikell led the Eagles in tackles last season, and can cover quite well. He’s exactly what the Rams needed. The strong safety spot might be a bit of a problem. Dahl’s instincts are suspect; he takes terrible angles and is over-aggressive far too often. They need him to calm down and play within the system Perhaps Mikell’s presence will be a good influence.

Bottom Line: The best of a bad bunch, the Rams’ offense will take a big step forward in 2011, while the defense improves as well. This is a team that has key pieces in place. They need only fill in the few remaining blanks to become a regular visitor to the post-season.

Arizona Cardinals (9-7): The greater army put to flight in disorder, scarcely further will it be pursued.

At some point this season, the Cards will look like a playoff team. At others, they’ll resemble a doormat. It’s this inconsistency that has them just missing out on this division crown.

Offense: Will Kevin Kolb be the answer? Is Beanie Wells capable of being the guy?

Crystal Ball Says: It seems like a decade since Kurt Warner led Ken Whisenhunt’s Cards to the Super Bowl, doesn’t it? Perhaps that’s because Coach Wiz thought Derek Anderson could pick up from where Warner left off. The team hasn’t recovered yet, and if Kevin Kolb stumbles, Whisenhunt will have much to answer for. Kolb isn’t a young player—he’s 27—and has started all of 7 games in 4 years. That being said, he’s guaranteed to be an improvement over what was trotted out there last season. Kolb has already clicked with Larry Fitzgerald and those two will connect quite often in 2011. Kolb’s accuracy is adequate, though he struggles on short throws. His arm strength is fine, although it gets him into trouble. Like most young signal callers, he thinks he can force passes into any coverage. However, can he avoid locking onto his receivers? That’s the big problem I’ve seen with him, and since his first choice is going to be Fitzgerald on every play, it’s a potential turnover issue. Another offensive issue is running back. Rookie Ryan Williams was drafted to take over the primary running back job from Beanie Well, but Williams’ has been lost for the season with a pre-season knee injury. Ouch. Now Wells, who has yet to impress as a pro, will have to assume those duties. After a decent rookie season, Wells’ production fell off last season. He was constantly banged up, missed 3 games, and had a woeful 3.4 yards per carry average. Chester Taylor was recently signed, but come on. Running the ball is going to be a problem for this team. In addition to the All World Fitzgerald, Arizona has Andre Roberts and Early Doucet at wide out. Roberts came on in the second half of last season and the team is banking on that continuing; that’s why they parted ways with Steve Breaston. Doucet will produce if he can remain healthy, which he hasn’t thus far in his brief career. Tight end Todd Heap gives the team a legit receiving tight end. Kolb showed that he loves throwing to tight ends in Philly, and as the receiving options other than Fitzgerald are questionable, Heap might be the number two guy. The offensive line is shaky and that isn’t going to help Kolb or Wells. Tackles Levi Brown, who cannot pass block, and Brandon Keith, who was injured last season and mediocre at best before that, must improve dramatically if the team is to succeed. I don’t see it happening.

Defense: Ray Horton becomes Whisenhunt’s 3rd defensive coordinator; can he improve what was the 30th ranked scoring defense in 2010?

Crystal Ball Says: Next! The revolving door continues. The defensive line must improve, starting with 2010 first rounder Dan Williams. He had an inconsistent rookie season, which was sort of expected. However, what was not expected and will not endear him to his teammates is the admission from Williams that he didn’t keep himself in proper condition during the lockout. Really? Darnell Dockett—who always plays an intense game—isn’t going to like that. However, Dockett himself needs to have a bounce-back 2011 after a down season by his standards. He has always been able to rush the passer, but was embarrassing at times against the run last year. Calais Campbell was expected to make a leap last season, but it didn’t happen. He started slowly and although he came on in the second half of the season, 16 games of production are needed. This front line is worrisome. Inside linebacker and second-year pro Daryl Washington looked a bit light for the position last year and his speed was useless at times due to his tendency to over-pursue. I’d expect him to rein it in a bit and have a solid 2011. Paris Lenon had a stellar 2010 and led the team in tackles. Other than Washington, there are some old folks at linebacker. Joey Porter and Clark Haggans each attended Colorado St., they’re each 34, and each declining skill-wise. Paris Lenon, 33, hasn’t shown his age nearly as much; he led the team in tackles in 2010 and had a solid camp. The age and declining skills here are the reasons Arizona went out and got Stewart Bradley. The former Eagle will see plenty of time, as his versatility will come in handy. Rookie Sam Acho and second-year man O’Brien Schofield might be starting by mid-season in place of the aging Porter and Haggans. The secondary will miss Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, but the team drafted his replacement in Patrick Peterson. The rookie will be counted on to contribute immediately with his size and speed. A.J. Jefferson will play corner on the other side after spending 2010 on the practice squad. Jefferson was an undrafted free agent in 2010 and there’s something to be said about his hunger for the game. However, I’m sure opposing quarterbacks will be picking on him as the season progresses. Richard Marshall was brought in from Carolina, but he’s better off as the nickel back. Fortunately for Arizona, that’s where he’ll begin the season. Safety Kerry Rhodes had a better 2010 than fellow starter Adrian Wilson, but you’d never know it. The former Jet led the team in tackles and had 4 interceptions to go along with 4 fumble recoveries. Wilson had a down season last year, mostly because of a nagging hip injury. That hip is OK now, but Wilson is being bothered by a biceps injury. If the need arises, Rashad Johnson will provide solid cover for Wilson. Johnson was impressive in limited duty last season.

Bottom Line: Too much age and unfulfilled potential on defense. Not enough reliable talent other than Fitzgerald on offense. The Rams are just a little better.

San Francisco 49ers (7-9): When the man will give way to none, will wish to abandon a place taken, yet not taken.

New head coach Jim Harbaugh inherits a bit of a mess, but a mess that’s cleanable. If he can straighten out his quarterback and the new faces come good, a division title is not out of the realm of possibility.

Offense: Will new offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s west coast system get anything out of Alex Smith? Will Michael Crabtree return from injury and earn his keep? Crystal Ball Says: Smith’s certainly had his chances, hasn’t he? This will be his 6th season in the league and he’s done nothing to justify his lofty draft selection back in 2005. The team drafted Colin Kaepernick, so the writing’s on the wall for Smith; produce immediately, or we’ll give the rookie a shot. Smith will be well served by Roman’s offense, but the signal caller simply must settle down. He’s too easily flustered and makes poor decisions more often than not. He has talent, but his head is a mess. Smith is never comfortable in the pocket; it’s been several seasons and he should have adapted by now. Frank Gore has lost a half step but he’s still a workhorse and a heckuva receiver out of the backfield. He missed time with a hip injury last season and the team will try to work dynamic rookie Kendall Hunter into the mix as a change-of-pace back. Anthony Dixon needs to stay in shape if he doesn’t want to lose all of his touches to Hunter. Meanwhile, Michael Crabtree has missed much of the pre-season with a foot injury. He needs to get back on the field and produce, something he hasn’t done to the team’s satisfaction in his 2 seasons as a pro. Crabtree’s work ethic has been questionable, and it’s pretty clear that he thought he’d walk in and be the man simply because he made some nice plays in college. It doesn’t work like that. Just because you’ve got the skills—and Crabtree most certainly does, in all areas—doesn’t mean you’re entitled to succeed. Harbaugh will straighten that out, or get rid of Crabtree. Believe it. Braylon Edwards was signed as a free agent and he has sort of the same issues as Crabtree: talent that’s never maximized because of mental issues. Dropped passes, off-the-field incidents…Edwards will either become more professional or be benched. Harbaugh isn’t going to walk in and get walked on. Josh Morgan will start in Crabtree’s absence, but there aren’t that many targets left after Gore and the primary receivers. Vernon Davis might be the most primary of those receivers. The tight end has had over 900 yards receiving in each of the past 2 seasons; in Harbaugh’s system, he should go over 1,000 in 2011. Davis also has 20 touchdowns over the past 2 years. He’s the total package now that his head is screwed on straight: size, speed, hands, and crazy athletic ability. The real problem in 2010 was the offensive line. Rookies Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati weren’t as effective as expected, especially Davis. He was a turnstile at times, yielding far too many sacks (11.5) and committing far too many penalties. Iupati played alright for the most part, but his pass protection was shaky at times. Both men need to step up in their 2nd seasons. Center David Baas is gone, replaced by veteran Jonathan Goodwin. Thus far in pre-season, the exchange has not been a good one for the Niners. Joe Staley has been steady at left tackle, but he missed time with a broken leg last season. The team drafted Davis to take over the position, but Staley is still there because of the youngster’s ineffectiveness. Too many sacks given up by this line make Smith’s progression that much more difficult.

Defense: Will new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio get the pass defense whipped into shape?

Crystal Ball Says: San Francisco was one of just 6 teams that gave up fewer than 100 yards per game rushing last season. That’s primarily because of the play of the defensive line, which is led by the ever-present Justin Smith. The lineman played in 16 games for the 9th consecutive season and registered 8.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. He’s a rock. Isaac Sopoaga will move inside to the nose tackle spot, which he’s better suited for, while Ray McDonald plays the run well and is improving with every game. But without Smith, the line crumbles. Linebacker Patrick Willis, one of the league’s best, is going to have another successful season, you can count on that. He led the team in tackles in 2010—what else is new?—and came up with 6 sacks. He’s joined in the middle by NaVorro Bowman, who replaces the departed Takeo Spikes. The second-year man out of Penn St. is still learning, but there is hardly a better way to learn than by playing next to Willis. Outside, the coaching staff has been talking up Ahmad Brooks. He’s underperformed and I’ll need to see him provide a pass rush before I believe it. Parys Haralson is similarly challenged when it comes to pressuring opposing QBs, which makes it very disappointing that rookie Aldon Smith was unable to beat him out for the job. Smith was, as the number 7 overall pick, supposed to be the guy with pass-rushing skills. Look for his playing time to increase as the season progresses. In the secondary, Tarell Brown will be pressed into starting duty. He will stand in for Shawntae Spencer, who has been dealing with a sore hamstring. Brown is a third corner, not a starter. He’ll be picked on when the Niners play a team that can pass the ball, something they don’t do in week 1. The other corner is Carlos Rogers, brought in from DC. Rogers can cover quite well, but his health is always a concern. Although perhaps now that he’s out of Washington, his health will improve. Rogers has said, “I was ready to get out of there 2 years ago.” We’ll see if the change of scenery does him good. Another newcomer is strong safety Donte Whitner, who arrives from Buffalo. Whitner racked up tons of tackles last season, but I need to see him do it again; he’s had injuries and uneven performances other than last season. Free safety Dashon Goldson needs to shake off the nagging injuries that curtailed his production in 2010. He’s a talented player but is already injured and a doubt for week 1. There’s not a lot of depth on this defense, so injuries will hurt that much more.

Bottom Line: Too many questions on offense and not enough defensive depth mean that this is no better than a .500 team, even with Harbaugh taking over.

Seattle Seahawks (5-11): Hunger, thirst, doubt will come to plague them very strongly. They will not have a single morsel of meat, bread or victuals.

Yeah, ummm. Not much good to say here. They went out and got Tarvaris Jackson to be their quarterback. Already a couple of their other big off-season acquisitions are hurt. It’s going to take some time for Pete Carroll’s group to improve, and by “time” I mean years.

Offense: How long will Jackson last as the starter? Can Marshawn Lynch carry the load?

Crystal Ball Says: I have no idea why Carroll went out and got Jackson, who had his chances with Minnesota but proved only that he’s a back-up. I know Jackson is familiar with the system that Darrell Bevell—the team’s 4th offensive coordinator in 4 years—brings in, but he was familiar with the system when he was stinking up the joint in Minny. Why is this different? Charlie Whitehurst outplayed Jackson in the preseason and although he’s not much better, he HAS won a big game in his career. That’s more than Jackson can say. Lynch will be in Beast Mode again, but what we saw against the Saints in last year’s playoffs isn’t what we’re going to see all season. Lynch is already dinged up, which isn’t surprising considering how hard he runs and how much contact he takes. I’m tired of waiting for Justin Forsett to emerge and think Carroll will give more touches to Leon Washington. Sidney Rice is an outstanding receiver, but his talents are going to be wasted—in much the same way Larry Fitzgerald’s were in 2010—because there isn’t anyone to throw the ball to him. Rice, like Lynch, is already hurt and unlikely to play in week 1. Mike Williams and Ben Obomanu (Not Golden Tate, who was always overrated) will open the season at wide out. They’re big, physical receivers but will not increase their numbers with Jackson playing QB. Tight end Zach Miller is the one who will see his numbers trend upward. Jackson will be looking for a safety valve and Miller is it. Also, John Carlson is done for the season with an injury, so there won’t be anyone to steal those short passes from Miller. The offensive line is led by left tackle Russell Okung, who had a roller coaster season in 2010. He’ll continue to improve. Max Unger, at center, has much to prove as he missed virtually all of 2010 with a foot injury. He’s a solid lineman when healthy. Robert Gallery was brought in to play left guard, but he’s hurt. Rookies John Moffit and James Carpenter will man the right side of the line at guard and tackle respectively. New offensive line coach Tom Cable loves the two newcomers, who were both accomplished run blockers in college.

Defense: Can the pass defense improve? Will Aaron Curry have a breakout season, or will he turn out to be a disappointing first-rounder?

Crystal Ball Says: Red Bryant’s 2010 injury killed the defensive line. The Seahawks gave up over 1.2 more yards per carry after his season ended. But he’s back now, and ready to devour all opposing running backs. Chris Clemons will man the other end spot. He played well last season, defending the run and the pass better than expected. Inside, Brandon Mebane returns to nose tackle, where he is best, and big Alan Branch will take up massive amounts of space beside him. Linebacker and former number 4 overall draft pick Aaron Curry has been average at best as a pro, hardly what Seattle expected. He needs to get more pressure on the quarterback and at least start to live up to expectations. Leroy Hill will play the other outside spot. Hill has been injured, violated the league’s Personal Conduct Policy, and generally looked like a back-up when he did play. The man in the middle, David Hawthorne, is the one to keep an eye on. The Heater led the team in tackles last season and should do so again, as long as the knee injury from which he now suffers doesn’t linger too long. The secondary is a mess. Cornerback Marcus Trufant has been sapped of his abilities because of injuries and is no longer reliable or consistent enough. Former Canadian Leaguer Brandon Browner will start opposite Trufant, and that’s trouble. Walter Thurmond is still banged up and the Seahawks got tired of waiting for Kelly Jennings to come around, so teams will have Browner to pick on. Free safety Earl Thomas, unlike Aaron Curry, is a draft pick that has absolutely lived up to the billing. He’s fast, has a nose for the ball, and plays the run very well. Kam Chancellor brings bit-hitting ability to the strong safety spot and he simply has to be an improvement over Lawyer Milloy. People can go on and on about leadership, but you’ve got to be able to perform on the field as well. Milloy can’t do that any longer.

Bottom Line: There are way too many holes and new pieces here. It’ll take several games for everyone to be on the same page, and even then the talent isn’t really there.