Yeah, it’s kinda hard to analyze this team and try to pretend there’s some doubt about who they are or what they will be. This is a loaded roster with a great coaching staff. Aren’t we all just penciling them in to the playoffs already?

And maybe that’s where the problem rises.

This is a team that has been to the NFC Championship game in 4 of the past 5 years. They’ve been to 2 Super Bowls in that same time frame. Those are a lot of extra games, a lot of extra wear and tear. Eventually, it catches up to teams.

Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk are looking for new contracts. Brock Purdy is going to be due a contract in the next year. Financially, this core is not going to be able to stay together past this year. The front office has done a fantastic job building the roster, and there shouldn’t be a doubt that they can replace players lost through free agency. But even though you can replace talent, sometimes you lose that connective energy that brings everyone together as a team.

So what’s the worst case scenario here?

Certain players could be looking for their best situation. Instead of sacrificing for the team, they could be looking ahead to next year. Others could be on cruise control, waiting for the playoffs before really locking in. And of course, history. It’s not often that a team who loses the Super Bowl manages a successful follow up season.

Realistically though, this is a team that is just too loaded with talent to completely crash. But looking out across the NFC, the Rams are nipping at their heels. The Packers and Lions look like the next dominating rosters, and if Caleb Williams works out in Chicago they could be scary for the next few years. This might be the last year this team will be favored to make a deep run in the playoffs.

2024 Prediction: 12-5 1st NFC West/Playoffs Divisional Round