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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Analysts believe this team will win NFC West in 2025

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 3:45 PM ET

The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams have ruled the NFC West as of late, claiming the division title in all but one season (2020) since 2017.

San Francisco has won the division four times while Los Angeles has taken it three times, including last season. That run by the Rams ultimately came to an end against the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the 2024 divisional round.

Analysts and former players Harry Douglas and Damien Woody were on ESPN's "Get Up" on Thursday and were asked who they believe will win the NFC West in 2025.

Douglas was short and to the point.

"I like the Rams, and the Rams will be the No. 1 seed in the NFC when it's all said and done," he said.

Woody echoed those thoughts and explained why he is buying into the Rams this season.

"When you look at the Rams, there's a lot of things I like about the Rams," Woody said. "No. 1, I love their quarterback Matthew Stafford, I love their run game, the offensive line. They've probably got the best young defensive front in football. ... For me, it's the Los Angeles Rams."

.@HDouglas83 believes the Rams will be the No. 1 seed in the NFL "when it's all said and done" pic.twitter.com/ApQF7fY8ki
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) July 24, 2025

While the 49ers won back-to-back division titles in 2022 and 2023, they regressed in 2024, failing to make the postseason with a 6-11 record and four straight losses to conclude the year.

The 49ers enter the 2025 campaign following some key departures from last season. While RB Christian McCaffrey returns after dealing with Achilles tendinitis in both feet and a PCL strain in his right knee that ended his 2024 season prematurely, WR Deebo Samuel Sr. was traded to the Washington Commanders, and key defensive players Javon Hargrave, Leonard Floyd, Dre Greenlaw and Charvarius Ward were either released or signed elsewhere.

The Rams were one win away from the NFC Championship Game last season and return a lot of production. The veteran Stafford is back under center, as are the team's leading rusher, Kyren Williams (1,299 yards), and leading receiver, Puka Nacua (990 yards), from a season ago.

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp is now with division rival Seattle. Still, the acquisition of veteran Davante Adams, who recorded 1,063 receiving yards last season with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets, gives Stafford another reliable option down the field.

Los Angeles had the fourth-best sack percentage (8.23%) in 2024, per TeamRankings, so the balance is there on both sides of the ball. If the Rams can improve on their overall defense from last season, which was tied for the 15th-most points per game allowed (22.3), the NFC West may be theirs for the taking once again.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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