NFL Picks & Predictions: NFC West Division Winner

Entering the 2024-25 NFL season, the 49ers are the biggest favorite to capture their respective division. 

San Francisco, who represented the NFC in Super Bowl 58, claimed their second straight division title in 2023 by two games over the Los Angeles Rams. 

Here’s a look at the NFL betting lines for the NFC West division winner and my best bet. 

NFL Odds – NFC West Division Winner

• San Francisco 49ers: -225
• Los Angeles Rams: +425
• Seattle Seahawks: +650
• Arizona Cardinals: +1100

NFL Picks & Predictions – NFC West Division Winner

San Francisco 49ers (-225) to Win NFC West – Parlay Piece

If the Rams and Seahawks proved less fortunate last season, I would consider a bet on them to eclipse San Francisco. 

However, the Rams finished 3-1 in games decided by three points or fewer last season while Seattle finished 4-1 in such games. Expect some natural regression for both teams. 

Although the 49ers finished 0-2 in games decided by three or fewer points and 1-3 in games decided within seven points, they were otherwise dominant. 

Last season, San Francisco captured 11 wins by 10 or more points. 

The rest of the division combined for only nine such victories. 

Those easy wins will almost surely lessen – San Francisco plays nine games against playoff teams and 11 games against teams with winning records next season. 

However, it’s worth noting that San Francisco finished 5-2 in regular-season games against playoff teams with Brock Purdy as their quarterback. 

Expand the sample to include the playoffs, and bettors will find the 49ers concluded the season 8-2 against playoff teams with Purdy starting, including 6-0 against the NFC. 

Although San Francisco has lost a few key personnel on the defensive side of the ball – Arik Armstead and Chase Young – they were quick to replace them with Leonard Floyd and Javon Hargrave. 

The Rams and Seahawks both possess threatening offenses – they ranked seventh and 12th in offensive DVOA last season – but the 49ers are the only good defense in the division. 

Last season, San Francisco ranked fourth in defensive DVOA. The Rams, Seahawks and Cardinals ranked 22nd, 28th and 32nd. 

Although the former three ranks came against top-six strength of opposing offenses, the 49ers played against the 12th-hardest set of opposing offenses. 

Given the sizable gap, even relative to the strength of schedule, that’s the edge San Francisco should have that sees them win a third straight division title. 

Parlay this division winner bet with the Chiefs to win the AFC West.