The NFC West enters 2026 training camp as one of the strongest and deepest divisions in the league. To show, the Seattle Seahawks are coming off a Super Bowl title. Additionally, the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers finished 12-5. At the same time, the Arizona Cardinals are beginning a full rebuild.
At the onset, all four teams report earlier than most of the league, with the Cardinals opening first at State Farm Stadium, the Seahawks in Renton, the Rams at Loyola Marymount, and the 49ers in Santa Clara. NFL future odds expectations remain sky-high across the top of the division. Arizona looks to establish a new identity under first-year head coach Mike LaFleur.
Arizona finished 3-14 and arrives at camp with significant questions at the most important position. Jacoby Brissett is the presumed starter after taking over for Kyler Murray last season. Yet contract negotiations have created early friction. Brissett skipped voluntary workouts and is seeking a deal that reflects his role as the clear No. 1. How that situation resolves will set the tone for LaFleur’s first camp.
The Cardinals invested heavily in the draft. To illustrate, they selected running back Jeremiyah Love third overall and gave him a record guarantee for the position. Love joins a backfield that already includes James Conner and Tyler Allgeier. Hence, raising questions about how the coaching staff will balance the talent.
Young pieces such as Marvin Harrison Jr., Darius Robinson, and Walter Nolen need to take clearer steps forward. Especially after inconsistent early careers. Camp will reveal whether Brissett settles in, how Love is used, and whether the new staff can begin turning it around.
2026 NFC West Training Camp Preview
Los Angeles enters with Super Bowl aspirations after a blockbuster offseason highlighted by the acquisition of Myles Garrett. Previously, the Rams already possessed one of the league’s more talented defenses, and pairing Garrett with Byron Young, Kobie Turner, and Braden Fiske creates a formidable front. How the new edge rusher fits into Chris Shula’s scheme will be a primary sportsbook odds focus of camp.
On offense, Matthew Stafford returns as the reigning MVP at age 38. He is surrounded by Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. However, depth at receiver remains a concern.
Also, the Rams drafted quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round, adding a long-term piece behind Stafford. With so many high-profile additions and returning stars, Sean McVay’s challenge will be keeping the group focused. Of great concern are potential distractions that can accompany elevated NFL betting expectations. Practices in Los Angeles will show how quickly Garrett integrates. In addition to whether the offense can maintain its precision with limited receiving depth beyond the top two options.
San Francisco returns a roster that still features elite talent but has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons. The 49ers spent the offseason adding veteran pieces such as Mike Evans and Christian Kirk. At the same time, they are welcoming Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and George Kittle back from significant injuries.
Naturally, Christian McCaffrey remains the engine of the offense when healthy. Yet managing his workload at this stage of his career is essential. Health will dominate every conversation in Santa Clara.
Seattle begins the defense of its Super Bowl title under Mike Macdonald with much of the championship core intact. The Seahawks possess a young, ascending roster that has already proven it can win at the highest level. Continuity on both sides of the ball gives them a clear foundation. Sustaining the intensity and focus that carried them through the postseason will be the quiet challenge of camp. The early report date, driven by a Wednesday night season opener, gives the defending champions extra time to install and refine before the rest of the league fully gears up.