Alex Selznick rejected Seattle at +500 to win the NFC West, saying their realistic ceiling is third place and a .500 record. He views the switch from Geno Smith to Sam Darnold as a downgrade, forecasts lower passing efficiency, and expects Pete Carroll’s offense to remain run-heavy. Selznick also praised the Rams’ offseason, believes the 49ers remain talented even with some regression, and thinks an improved Cardinals roster with a healthy Kyler Murray can leapfrog Seattle. Given those dynamics, he would not tie up bankroll on the Seahawks’ long-shot divisional ticket.