Raising Zona
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Early NFC West power rankings after huge trade

By Aarron Van Buren

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray hugs Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson swap jerseys after the Seahawks won 27-10 during a game on Sep. 29, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz.Seattle Seahawks Vs Arizona Cardinals 2019
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray hugs Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson swap jerseys after the Seahawks won 27-10 during a game on Sep. 29, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz.Seattle Seahawks Vs Arizona Cardinals 2019 /
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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 02: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions runs for a first down during the fourth quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field on December 2, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Los Angeles defeated Detroit 30-16. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 02: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions runs for a first down during the fourth quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field on December 2, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Los Angeles defeated Detroit 30-16. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

. 10-6. . Los Angeles Rams. 1. team. 51

In what’s been the biggest trade to date this offseason, the Los Angeles Rams take the top spot in my NFC West power rankings. As a team that was a healthy quarterback away from beating the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round, the Matt Stafford trade catapulted them to the top. Everything is there for the Rams to go all-in and try to win another Super Bowl. A great running game, solid offensive weapons, and a defense led by the perennially-good Aaron Donald.

If Cooper Kupp can stay healthy, this team will be a favorite not only to win the division, but possibly the NFC. They’ve shown that they can get into the playoffs and make some progress. However the secondary needs help, especially if they run into a combination similar to the Aaron Rodgers-Davante Adams combo that not even Jalen Ramsey could get a handle on. This secondary issue is only deepened by the fact that the Rams will continue to not be active in the first round, extending their streak to seven years. Wondering what the rams would be if they had even one first round pick the last few years was one of the questions I asked in an interview with our sister site, Ramblin’ Fan. 

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The Rams big trade helped them a bit with their cap space, however SpoTrac currently has them at $35 million over the cap. Not to mention there are reports that the salary cap will decrease this year due to lost revenue and other pandemic-related reasons. Gerald Everett, Austin Blythe and Leonard Floyd are all UFA’s (unrestricted free agents) who will have a chance to look at other teams if they choose.

Despite the salary cap and secondary issues, the Rams have shot up into the top spot in the NFC West power rankings. Once again free agency and the draft will most likely change these rankings. Usually you don’t try to win the off-season, but a big upgrade like this never hurts. Did I get it right? What’s your order on the NFC West power rankings? Put them below and let’s have a healthy discussion!

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