AROUND THE NFC WEST

The NFC West division was tough enough already. But after the 49ers and Seattle Seahawks combined for three playoff victories last year — and the Los Angeles Rams also would have advanced to the postseason if the NFL’s new expanded playoff format had been implemented last year — the wild West looks even tougher this year, universally considered as the toughest division in the entire league with the Arizona Cardinals also an up-and-coming team. The NFC West promises to be a veritable battle royale this season, and here’s a look at what’s new and what’s different from last year while reviewing San Francisco’s three divisional rivals moving into the early stages of the 2020 season.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Starting lineup for season opener:

Offense: QB – Kyler Murray. RB – Kenyan Drake. WR – DeAndre Hopkins, Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk. TE – Dan Arnold. LT – D.J. Humphries. LG – Justin Pugh. C – Mason Cole. RG – J.R. Sweezy. RT – Kelvin Beachum.

Defense: NT – Corey Peters. DT – Jordan Phillips. OLB – Chandler Jones, Devon Kennard. ILB – De’Vondre Campbell, Jordan Hicks. LB – Isaiah Simmons. CB – Patrick Peterson, Byron Murphy Jr. S – Jalen Thompson, Budda Baker.

Specialists: K – Zane Gonzalez. P – Andy Lee. LS – Aaron Brewer. RS – Kirk (punts), Chase Edmonds (kickoffs).

SEASON OUTLOOK: The Cardinals were the best last-place team in the NFL in 2019 — another testament to the strength of the NFC West, where Arizona had the only losing record — and look to take the next step toward playoff contention this year behind a young nucleus led by flashy sophomore quarterback Murray and augmented by some big-time offseason additions.

The Cardinals took a major leap in that direction with their stunning 24-20 upset over defending NFC champion San Francisco on the road to begin the season, erasing an early 10-0 deficit and coming from behind twice in the fourth quarter to steal the victory after the 49ers swept Arizona in two close contests last season.