Niner Noise
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NFL predictions: 3 reasons why the 49ers make the playoffs in 2018

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 12: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with teammates after an 11-yard touchdownagainst the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 12: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with teammates after an 11-yard touchdownagainst the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by defensive lineman Arik Armstead of the San Francisco 49ers for a loss of 8 yards during the third quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by defensive lineman Arik Armstead of the San Francisco 49ers for a loss of 8 yards during the third quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

Reason No. 1: The NFC West Is Much Weaker

Not long ago, the NFC West was easily the best division in football. Both the 49ers and Seattle Seahawks were the top dogs within the division, while the Arizona Cardinals were always in the mix.

And the then-St. Louis Rams were, perhaps, the best .500 team in football.

Things have certainly changed now, and who would have predicted the Rams would be a serious contender for the NFC’s top seed this season? Want an example of turnaround? Well, there you go.

Los Angeles is going to be good for the foreseeable future. That team is young and developing, already showing signs of being a powerhouse for the next three or four years. But what about the rest of the division?

Well, age has been a major factor for both Seattle and Arizona. In the Seahawks’ case, just check out what The MMQB’s Albert Breer highlighted:

Those are some big-name players on the Seahawks’ roster, and we just haven’t seen the same level of contributors rising up from the younger ranks.

And the Cardinals? Well, quarterback Carson Palmer is 38 years old and injured again. His offensive line can’t stay healthy, and the defense is questionable.

If the Niners rise next season, they’ll still have to beat out the Rams for a divisional crown — not a likelihood. But suddenly, the other NFC West matchups don’t seem quite as formidable.