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Your support makes all the difference.The NFL season is upon us! The Independent takes a look at all 32 teams, how they have spent their summer and what fans can expect this season. Seahawks still have enough to win the division...
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Carson Palmer has to stay healthy for the Cardinals to have any chance, that much was evident last season after Arizona won their first six matches in a row. With backup Drew Stanton they managed to get to win nine of their first 10 but going down to their third backup hurt (as it would any team).
Arizona made an effort to improve their offensive line in a bid to keep Palmer fit, bringing in Pro Bowl guard Mike Iupati from the 49ers and taking offensive tackle DJ Humphries with their first draft pick, but he has a long history of poor health.
The strength of Bruce Arians' team remains in its defence, an area that should again be strong, although Antonio Cromatie will be missed at cornerback.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
A summer of real change, that started when head coach Jim Harbaugh left for college football, puts the 49ers into full rebuilding mode. A trip to the Super Bowl, then the NFC Championship game were followed by an 8-8 season last year and that was enough for the hierarchy to hit reset.
Colin Kaepernick remains at quarterback and continues to split pundits as to his true value. Franchise cornerstone Frank Gore leaves questions at running back, three wide receivers are gone, as are two starting offensive lineman.
On the defensive side, the retirements of future Hall of Famers Patrick Willis and Justin Smith were expected (and will hurt) but Chris Borland was a shock retirement. At just 24, the man expected to replace Willis retired out of concerns over the impact of collisions to his brain. Former Pro Bowler Aldon Smith was also released because of an alleged hit-and-run.
It all adds up to a team that will have to play way above expectations to make the post-season.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Two Super Bowls in a row, one won and won lost, the Seahawks have built a dynasty under Pete Carroll; whether they return to the big game remains to be seen, although they are strong favourites to win the division again.
The arrival of Jimmy Graham gives Russell Wilson - he of a whopping new contract - the best receiver of his young career, but two lineman have been lost from a group that has been among the most dominant in the league the past couple of years. Star running back Marshawn Lynch returns but he is now 29 and there are questions over whether his bruising style can continue much longer.
The real strength, again, lies in the defence. But defensive mastermind Dan Quinn has taken the top job with the Falcons, safety Kam Chancellor is on strike and wants more money and Byron Maxwell is gone.
It all appears to equate to small weaknesses that could see the Seahawks fall of their perch at the top of the NFC.
ST LOUIS RAMS
Sam Bradford is gone. It remains to be seen whether getting rid of their always-injured quarterback to the Eagles will come back to haunt them, with Nick Foles a steady, unexciting option. The Rams added running back Todd Gurley in the first round, a mouth-watering prospect for many fans, and there has been a concerted effort to improve the offensive line.
Nick Fairley, one half of the best interior defensive line with the Lions last season, has joined to give St Louis one of the best lines in the NFL, on paper, with Chris Long and Robert Quinn expected to put heaps of pressure on the opposition.
If the Rams were in other divisions in the previous three years they would have visited the play-offs, but have been unlucky enough to have to play the above trio six times a season.
Head coach Jeff Fisher is yet to post a winning record in his three seasons and although St Louis has shown patience, it appears to be running out. However, with both the Seahawks and 49ers slipping, and question marks over the Cardinals, this could finally be their year.
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