The NFC West has been a one-team show the last two years with the 49ers winning every game against their division rivals, except when they rested their starters.

If the 49ers want to become the first team to win the NFC West three straight years since the Seahawks did it from 2004-07, it could be a much tougher challenge. The bottom half of the division looks improved and the 49ers have spent the offseason dealing with contract disputes and a bit of a hangover from losing the Super Bowl.

Three straight seasons of playing into late January or early February and the disappointment of losing in the conference title game or Super Bowl in three straight seasons can take a toll.

“The only thing to do is to go right back at it because I’m going to year eight and it’s not like the opportunity is completely gone,” All-Pro tight end George Kittle said. “... The fun thing too is we have a really good team.”

The 49ers do have the most talented team in the division but need to get contract disputes with stars Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk resolved soon in order from them to be ready to start the season. The offense features several other stars led by Christian McCaffrey, Brock Purdy, Deebo Samuel and Kittle.

But the competition could be tough. The Rams could have one of the most prolific offenses if Cooper Kupp is healthy to team with 2023 breakout stars Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams as playmakers around Matthew Stafford.

The Seahawks will have a fresh look defensively under new coach Mike Macdonald and a potent offense if they can get even adequate line play after being plagued by injuries last season.

The Cardinals showed promise in coach Jonathan Gannon’s first season after QB Kyler Murray returned and could be a plucky team with Murray’s playmaking and rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. leading the way.

Tumultuous offseason

The offseason was far from smooth for the 49ers with contract issues hovering over the franchise. Aiyuk skipped the entire offseason program as he sought a long-term extension to replace his fifth-year option and then refused to practice during training camp.

On Thursday, the 49ers and Aiyuk reportedly reached agreement on a four-year, $120 million contract extension.

Williams has been a holdout all summer as he seeks an improved deal to reflect his status as the league’s top offensive lineman after three straight All-Pro selections.

With Aiyuk and Williams, the 49ers have perhaps the top offense in the league. If Williams is still missing or rusty, scoring could prove to be more difficult. That would put pressure on new coordinator Nick Sorensen’s defense.

New-look defense

The Seahawks had a major coaching overhaul with Pete Carroll leaving after 14 seasons and Macdonald coming in with new schemes and fresh ideas. Change was needed after the Seahawks finished 25th in points allowed in each of Carroll’s last two seasons.

Macdonald led one of the top defenses in the game with the Ravens . His schemes rely on disguised coverages to fool quarterbacks and simulated pressures that stress the QB without using too many pass rushers.

The question remains if there’s enough talent on the Seahawks — especially on the pass rush — to make it work.

Life after Donald

Coach Sean McVay’s offense for the Rams should be one of the best with Stafford still playing at a high level at age 36, a fortified offensive line in free agency and plenty of playmakers.

The big question comes on defense, where the Rams need to replace retired three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald.

There’s no one player who can make up for Donald’s impact. He opened up opportunities for others by getting double- and triple-teamed and still managed to dominate.

Byron Young and Kobie Turner had strong rookie seasons on the line in 2023 as they benefited from all the attention on Donald. Repeating that won’t be as easy this season but they do get some help as the Rams spent their first two draft picks on Florida State teammates Jared Verse and Braden Fiske.

More Murray

The Cardinals showed flashes of what they can do offensively in the second half of last season when Murray returned from a torn ACL. After losing eight of nine games to open the season, they went 3-5 with Murray.

Harrison should provide a boost on the outside as the Cardinals lacked a true No. 1 receiver. Tight end Trey McBride had a breakout season with 81 catches and Michael Wilson looks to build on a strong rookie season as the No. 2 receiver this year.

Coordinator Drew Petzing had a creative run game led by James Conner’s 1,000-yard season that could be better this year if Murray is more of a rushing threat.

The defense still needs work.