Of the NFL's eight divisions, perhaps the most balanced — and, thus, most difficult to predict — is the NFC West. The Seattle Seahawks have prevailed the past three years, and yet some forecasters have picked them to finish last this season.  I predicted them to finish last in this division six months ago.

Only two games separated the Seahawks (9-7), Rams (8-8) and 49ers (7-9) in 2006. The Cardinals wound up 5-11.

The Seahawks lost some key performers in the offseason and didn't pick up much.

They're depending on quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and running back Shaun Alexander to stay healthy, something they couldn't do in 2006.

The Rams, Arizona and San Francisco made significant, and sensible, roster additions, strengthening their personnel and giving them legitimate shots at dethroning the Seahawks. A run around the division:

RAMS
For the defense — Two new starters on the defensive line, end James Hall and tackle Adam Carriker, provide hope that the most glaring weakness in '06 — defending the run — can be improved.
New targets — Wideouts Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce both topped 1,000 receiving yards last year, and the Rams added WRs Drew Bennett and Dante Hall, plus prolific tight end Randy McMichael.
$65 million man — Quarterback Marc Bulger received a six-year contract extension after putting together his best season. Bulger, a two-time Pro Bowler, has emerged as one of the league's most productive QBs.
Second time around — A year ago, new coach Scott Linehan and his staff were feeling their way. Now, the faces are familiar and the systems are locked into place.

49ERS
Money talks — Management doled out almost $40 million to land four new starters for a defense that ranked 26th overall last year. The Niners also drafted six defenders.
More Gore — Actually, coach Mike Nolan wants his feature back, Frank Gore, to have fewer touches in 2007. But it'll be hard not to call on Gore, who rushed 312 times for 1,695 yards last year and caught 61 passes.
On the rise — If 2005's No. 1 overall draft pick, quarterback Alex Smith, improves just half as much as he did from his rookie season to his second year, the offense will be formidable.
Go deep — The 49ers gave Smith a hand by beefing up his corps of wideouts with the additions of Ashley Lelie and Darrell Jackson.

SEAHAWKS
On the mend — QB Matt Hasselbeck suffered injuries to his right knee, left hand and left shoulder last year. He's healed, but the Seahawks are quietly concerned about lingering effects.
On the run — Shaun Alexander is coming off a foot injury, which is always a concern for a running back. A healthy Alexander is one of the NFL's top ballcarriers.
Just for kicks — Josh Brown is best in the clutch — he beat the Rams twice last year with late field goals. Young punter Ryan Plackemeier has one of the league's strongest legs.
Pressure on — With their offensive standouts aging, the Seahawks need to get more out of a defense that has some individual standouts but underperformed in '06.

CARDINALS
Futile franchise — Despite elevated expectations in recent years, the Cardinals have reached .500 only twice in 19 seasons since leaving St. Louis.
Hurtin' already — Left tackle Oliver Ross and linebacker Chike Okeafor have suffered possible season-ending injuries. Ross' loss means that rookie Levi Brown probably will fill that all-important spot.
Lighting the wick — New coach Ken Whisenhunt was Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator, so maybe he can ignite an offense that is long on potential but overall was just OK last year.
Leader of the pack — Matt Leinart set a franchise record for rookie QBs by throwing for 2,547 yards in '06. That helped free up RB Edgerrin James for another 1,000-yard season.