NFL Bold Predictions: NFC West

Football is meant to be entertaining. What better way to have some fun than by making a few
bold predictions. At this point, it feels like the objective of the NFL is to make the unexpected
happen. With that mind, here are two bold predictions for each NFC West team as we head into
Week 1.

Brian Robinson Finishes with 75 Rushing Yards and a Touchdown

Seriously? Here we go again with Christian McCaffrey. We had to think there was something up
with the San Francisco 49ers traded for Brian Robinson prior to the season, and guess what, it
happened. McCaffrey is back on the injury report, and who knows what can we expect from
him on Sunday. That means Robinson should be quite busy so let’s mark him down for 75
rushing yards and a touchdown.

San Francisco Picks Sam Darnold Off Twice

Sam Darnold is away from the comfort of Justin Jefferson and Kevin O’Connell is Minnesota,
and I’m thinking he shows his true colors once again. Last year, Darnold was picked off 12
times, and I expect him to wilt under the pressure of Nick Bosa and force a few too many
throws.

Marvin Harrison Eclipses 100 Yards

I’m high on Marvin Harrison going into year-two. There’s a reason why he was drafted fourth
overall last year, and the chemistry level appears to be high between Harrison and Kyler
Murray. He gained 885 yards on 65 receptions last season, and he should only need five or six
catches to it this mark. Facing the Saints in Week 1 is a nice landing spot.

Trey Benson Has More Than 50 Combined Yards

A lot has been said about Trey Benson taking on an increased role this season, and that will
start in Week 1. Arizona will likely take things slow with James Conner and Benson is poised to
capitalize with his elite speed. Game flow should work in Benson’s favor as well.

Blake Corum Has 10-Plus Touches

Here we are again with Blake Corum. Last year, he was supposed to take on a significant role
behind Kyren Willliams but it never happened. In 2025, I’m expecting that to change. Now it
shouldn’t have a negative impact on Williams, but Corum will be more involved.

Terrance Ferguson Catches a Touchdown in His Debut

The Rams thought enough of Terrance Ferguson to draft him 46 th overall in this spring’s draft.
While he only had three touchdowns last year, Ferguson had 11 in the two years prior. Look for
Matthew Stafford to get his rookie tight end weapon involved early on.

Elijah Arroyo Delivers a Touchdown Catch

If we are going to be bold, let’s go with another rookie tight end catching a touchdown pass.
Elijah Arroyo has all the tools and upside for this to happen, and the Seahawks are clearly
confident in him. After all, why else would they have released Noah Fant? With Fant, DJ
Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett all gone, someone has to fill that void.

Zach Charbonnet Has More Yards Than Kenneth Walker

I’m thinking we can also use “more touches” interchangeably as the Seahawks take it slow with
Kenneth Walker. This isn’t a new concept as Walker continues to struggle to stay on the field
and Seattle is going to take things conservatively. Charbonnet on the other hand impressed all
summer so look for him to take on a bigger role; especially in the passing game.