NFL | NFC West: 2026 DFS Season Preview - Rams, Cardinals, Seahawks, and 49ers

The NFC West enters 2026 as one of the most compelling divisions in football. With elite quarterback play, high‑volume pass catchers, evolving backfields, and reliable kickers, this division offers weekly upside across every DFS format. Below is a team‑by‑team breakdown of how the Rams, Cardinals, Seahawks, and 49ers stack up heading into the new season.

Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Stafford returns for his 18th season after capturing his first MVP award, and he’ll again operate one of the league’s most explosive passing attacks. The passing game still runs through Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, with Nacua functioning as a volume monster and Adams dominating in the red zone. The Rams’ heavy use of 13‑personnel last season created mismatches all over the field, especially near the goal line. With all four tight ends returning and second‑round pick Max Klare added to the mix, tight ends remain a meaningful part of the passing game, particularly in scoring situations. On the ground, the backfield remains a split between Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Williams’ efficiency spikes with lighter workloads, while Corum offers steady, grind‑it‑out production. Kicker Harrison Mevis stabilized the kicking game late last season, converting 12 of 13 field goals and all 39 extra points. He’s locked in as their trusted leg.

DFS Outlook

• Quarterback: Stafford is a weekly staple in this offense
• Wide receivers: Nacua is a high‑floor, high‑ceiling play; Adams is a premium red‑zone and TD equity option.
• Tight ends: Rams TEs are very risky
• Running backs: Williams has tons of upside
• Kicker: Mevis is a strong option in games with high implied team totals.

Arizona Cardinals

Jacoby Brissett is expected to start for the Cardinals after posting 3,366 passing yards and ranking eighth in passing yards per game last season. He’s not a flashy DFS option, but he’s steady, affordable, and capable of supporting fantasy‑relevant pass catchers. His top targets are Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride, who set the NFL record for single‑season receptions by a tight end. McBride is the focal point of this passing game and a weekly DFS building block. Marvin Harrison Jr. enters a pivotal third season after an inconsistent 2025. With an offensive‑minded head coach now in place, he’s a prime bounce‑back candidate. The backfield is crowded: rookie Jeremiyah Love, veteran Tyler Allgeier, James Conner, Bam Knight, and Trey Benson. Kicker Chad Ryland returns but faces competition from Joshua Karty, making the position unsettled early in the year.

DFS Outlook

• Quarterback: Brissett is a mid-level option
• Wide receivers: Wilson is a solid mid‑tier WR with volume upside; Harrison Jr. is a boom‑bust.
• Tight end: McBride is an elite TE.
• Running backs: Avoid early in the season until usage settles
• Kicker: More of a late‑season consideration

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks, defending Super Bowl champions, bring back 20 of 22 starters and remain one of the most DFS‑friendly teams in the league. Sam Darnold has revitalized his career in Seattle, and he’s a strong mid‑tier DFS quarterback. His weapons are elite: Jaxon Smith‑Njigba, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year, and Cooper Kupp, still one of the NFL’s most precise route runners. Rashid Shaheed adds explosive return ability and occasional deep‑shot upside. The backfield is the biggest DFS question. Kenneth Walker III is gone, Zach Charbonnet is recovering from an ACL tear, and first‑round pick Jadarian Price is expected to lead the way. Price is a classic DFS upside play. He’s talented and positioned for volume. Kicker Jason Myers is coming off a career year and remains one of the most dependable options in fantasy.

DFS Outlook

• Quarterback: Darnold is a strong mid‑tier QB.
• Wide receivers: JSN is a top‑end WR.
• Running backs: Price is the key.
• Tight end: AJ Barner is a sneaky good TE.
• Kicker: Myers is a high‑trust option.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers overcame injuries and roster turnover to win 12 games last season, and their offense remains loaded with DFS talent. Brock Purdy continues to be one of the league’s most efficient quarterbacks, ranking near the top in passer rating among high‑volume passers. His consistency makes him a safe DFS play, while backup Mac Jones is arguably the league’s best insurance policy. Christian McCaffrey is still the premier DFS running back in all of football. The team hopes to lighten his workload with rookie Kaelon Black, but McCaffrey remains the centerpiece. Mike Evans joins the receiving corps on a team‑friendly deal, giving Purdy a reliable boundary target. George Kittle remains a high‑ceiling tight end despite missing time last season. Kicker Eddy Piñeiro was nearly perfect last year, making 28 of 29 field goals.

DFS Outlook

• Quarterback: Purdy is a high‑efficiency QB.
• Running backs: McCaffrey remains a top‑tier RB.
• Wide receivers: Evans is a strong outside WR with TD upside.
• Tight end: Kittle is a classic boom‑bust TE.
• Kicker: Piñeiro is a top kicker.

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