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.

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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.