NFC West
Team	Salisbury's analysis
	Until they show otherwise, the St. Louis Rams should be the favorites. They remind me of the Lakers. I know they got outplayed and beaten by the New England Patriots -- in one game. But the Rams have done nothing but get better. Their defense, which was new last year under new coordinator Lovie Smith, played well and has another year of experience. They are explosive and have two of the best players in the league in Kurt Warner and Marshall Faulk. With another year in Smith's defensive scheme and with continued good health, St. Louis is the team others will be chasing. The Rams are still my favorite team in the NFL.
	I love what they’re doing in San Francisco. The loss of safety Lance Schulters is huge, but they play with as much enthusiasm on defense as any team in the league. The 49ers had the youngest defense in the NFL last season. Quarterback Jeff Garcia has had two straight Pro Bowl seasons. Running back Garrison Hearst was one of the great comeback stories. If Terrell Owens is not a malcontent and if his situation with coach Steve Mariucci is patched up, as they say it is, then people will once again call him the best receiver in football. The 49ers have all the ingredients, and they are well-coached by Mariucci, whose decision to stay with the 49ers was big for San Francisco. The 49ers are getting better. I think they will be a big-time contender this season.
	The smartest move head coach Mike Holmgren made was committing to Trent Dilfer as the starting quarterback. Now they’re going to training camp with a veteran whom players can trust. While Matt Hasselbeck has a chance, all Dilfer does is win. The Seahawks need more defensive production and more from the wide receiver position. They have good, young players, but they need more explosiveness. With running back Shaun Alexander, they have a chance to be pretty special. But it all comes down to the quarterback. Although Dilfer is not spectacular, his winning ways can become contagious. His record the last two seasons has been sensational.
	Arizona has so much potential. I'm a huge fan of Dave McGinnis, who has as much enthusiasm as any coach in the team. If Jake Plummer gets more players like receiver David Boston around him and the Cardinals continue to build, then they just need to run the football better and to see improvement on defense. The Cardinals will win games because their offensive line is improving. They must run more effectively, though, to give Plummer a chance. If that happens, Plummer will be in the Pro Bowl soon. I still think the Cardinals are too young and inexperienced, but they should be a better team next season.