Fantasy Football Draft Guide 2025: NFC West Coaches & Their NFL Systems

When it comes to sitting down and doing your fantasy football research, there is no better tool in our Fantasy Football Draft Guide than this article series breaking down every NFL coaching system.

The base knowledge provided becomes a springboard for everything you do between now and that final week when your fantasy football championship trophy is raised. Once you learn the basic concepts of a team’s offensive scheme, it becomes significantly easier to identify which players become legitimate draft day targets, which players you should pick up off the fantasy football waiver wire and which players you want in your starting lineups each week. The knowledge even carries you beyond this season.

Imagine having the base knowledge and then tracking NFL offseason coaching movements? It becomes easier to identify which players to target for offseason trades in keeper and dynasty leagues. It also helps understand which fantasy football rookies to target after the NFL Draft.

Don’t get me wrong – there are plenty of other exciting fantasy tools here at Fantasy Alarm to help guide you to a championship. The Dynamic Tier Rankings are fantastic for proper roster construction on draft day, as well as figuring out the types of players you should be targeting on waivers. We have League Sync to help you organize your teams, a fantasy football trade analyzer to help you in-season, a start/sit tool to help you with your weekly decisions and even a Strength of Schedule grid to help you identify favorable matchups as the season progresses.

But for me, it starts with the coaching schemes. Learn them and your entire fantasy football existence will change for the better. As we dive into another division, allow me to direct you to the glossary of terms and personnel packages found in the AFC East coaching breakdown. Bookmark it if you need to as it makes for a great quick-reference guide.

2025 Fantasy Football: AFC West NFL Coaching Systems

Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Offensive Breakdown

The Arizona Cardinals operate an up-tempo variation of the West Coast offense, designed around rhythm, quick reads, and short-area efficiency. Under offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, the system leans heavily on tight end usage, play-action concepts, and run-pass option (RPO) plays—particularly suited for a mobile quarterback like Kyler Murray.

Murray's mobility is essential to the success of this offense, but there’s room for better balance. In 2024, he threw the ball on 85.8% of RPO plays, a figure that Petzing would prefer to see reduced. Defenses have started to anticipate the pass in these situations, which limits the effectiveness of the play design. For the offense to be less predictable, Murray must become more willing to use his legs to keep defenders honest and open up opportunities for others.

A defining feature of Petzing’s offense is the frequent use of multiple tight ends. On nearly half (46%) of all drop-backs, Arizona uses sets with two or more tight ends. This approach fuels the passing game’s structure, with tight ends accounting for 34% of total targets—more than any other team in the league. Trey McBride has thrived in this environment. He's often the first read on short throws and excels at gaining yards after the catch. In 2024, McBride tallied 526 YAC, second-most among tight ends, benefiting from both the scheme and his ability to exploit mismatches near the line.

While the tight ends dominate the target share, the low volume of targets to wide receivers is a concern, particularly with the addition of star rookie Marvin Harrison Over the last two seasons, Arizona has targeted wide receivers just 47% of the time, ranking near the bottom of the league. Whether Harrison Jr. can buck that trend depends largely on his alignment. If he operates as the “X” receiver on the left side, he should see more volume—Murray targets that side of the field 43% of the time, the third-highest rate among NFL quarterbacks. Watching where Harrison lines up will be key to understanding his expected involvement, rather than relying on listed depth charts.

The offense also thrives on creating hesitation in the second level of the defense. With a steady mix of RPOs and play-action, linebackers and safeties are forced to defend both the run and the short pass simultaneously. This creates favorable blocking angles and opens up cutback lanes in the run game. Arizona employs a power/gap blocking scheme, ideal for the bruising running styles of James Conner and rookie Trey Benson, both of whom excel when running downhill.

In the passing game, running backs remain involved, particularly in short-area targets. They account for 17.4% of targets, offering valuable contributions in PPR formats. In the red zone, Conner continues to be a focal point, logging an 87.9% usage rate inside the 20 over the past two years—a testament to the team's trust in his ability to finish drives.

Arizona’s offense is built on tempo, versatility, and smart design. With more balance and improved execution, it has the potential to be far more explosive in 2025.

• Best Fits for the System: Trey McBride, James Conner, Marvin Harrison
• Worst Fits for the System: Michael Wilson

Cardinals Defensive Breakdown

• Defensive Front: 3-4 with Multi-Front Looks
• Secondary: Two-High Cover 2 and Cover-3 Mix
  • Man Coverage: 20.2% (28^th)
  • Zone Coverage: 77.6% (3^rd)

The Arizona Cardinals continue to operate out of a 3-4 base defense, but flexibility remains a key element of their approach. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis regularly shifts fronts depending on matchups, down-and-distance, and offensive tendencies. While the Cardinals bulked up the line in 2024, their struggles against the run persisted, prompting yet another overhaul up front heading into 2025.

This time, however, the changes appear more promising. Arizona brought in veteran defensive linemen Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson, both of whom bring experience, size, and production to a unit that’s lacked consistency. Campbell still commands respect as a run-stopper and tone-setter, while Tomlinson brings much-needed interior strength. First-round draft pick Walter Nolen adds versatility and explosiveness to the group, with the ability to line up at any spot along the defensive front. His presence ensures the Cardinals can stay varied in their looks without sacrificing effectiveness.

Despite the renewed focus on the trenches, the Cardinals’ pass rush has been their weakest link. They finished last season with just the 18th most sacks and ranked near the bottom in quarterback knockdowns and pressure rate. To address this, the team signed edge rusher Josh Sweat, who previously played under head coach Jonathan Gannon and Rallis in Philadelphia. Sweat is expected to be the primary threat off the edge, tasked with creating consistent pressure and reaching double-digit sack totals. Around him, the Cardinals will rotate personnel in hopes of manufacturing pressure through movement and disguise.

Where Gannon truly excels is in the secondary. His defensive backfield thrives on detailed coaching, positional understanding, and communication. Every defensive back is trained to understand the responsibilities of the entire secondary, not just their own role. This holistic approach has allowed the Cardinals to punch above their weight in pass defense the last two seasons, even amid injuries and inconsistent cornerback play.

The scheme heavily relies on two-high safety alignments with rotating responsibilities post-snap. One safety drops into the box while the other stays deep, but who plays which role is intentionally disguised to confuse opposing quarterbacks. Though rooted in traditional concepts, Gannon’s system incorporates modern elements — like dropping linebackers into deeper zones and tailoring coverage to statistical tendencies — to frustrate offenses.

Safety Budda Baker initially struggled to adjust to the scheme but found his footing last year. He emerged as a critical piece, tallying 164 tackles — second-most in the NFL — and showing improved instincts in coverage and run support. His leadership and ability to execute Gannon’s complex system make him essential to the Cardinals’ defensive identity.

In 2025, Arizona’s defense remains a work in progress, but with added talent and a scheme that demands intelligence and adaptability, they may finally be building the kind of unit Gannon envisioned.

• Best Fits for the System: Budda Baker, Calais Campbell, Josh Sweat
• Worst Fits for the System: Joey Blount

Los Angeles Rams

Rams Offensive Breakdown

The Los Angeles Rams’ offense under Sean McVay remains one of the most innovative and adaptive in the NFL. Though rooted in 11-personnel—one running back, one tight end, and three wide receivers—McVay has gradually diversified his formations. In 2024, the Rams used 11-personnel on 81.3% of their snaps, still the third-highest rate in the league despite a 12% drop from prior years. This personnel grouping spreads defenses out, creating favorable angles for off-tackle runs and opening the door for highly effective play-action passing.

McVay’s scheme thrives on deceptive design, particularly how it manipulates defensive structure. The Rams frequently run the ball out of three-wide sets, forcing opposing defenses into lighter boxes. This not only enhances their run game but also draws safeties closer to the line, setting up vertical shots off play-action. It’s a staple of McVay’s system: make every play look the same, until it isn’t.

A hallmark of this offense is the use of condensed formations, pre-snap motion, and intricate route trees. McVay often aligns multiple receivers in bunch formations at the line of scrimmage, then sends one in motion to shift defensive responsibilities. These motions are less about eye candy and more about creating mismatches and leverage advantages. The route concepts often stretch the field vertically, but they’re designed to make the quarterback’s first read an easy, short throw underneath, allowing the play to develop safely.

While many teams attempt to replicate McVay’s system, few match his mastery of motion and matchup creation. His ability to disguise intentions and force defenses into reactive positions remains elite. Quarterback Matthew Stafford complements this style well, particularly because of his willingness to trust his top receiver. That led to huge success with Puka Nacua, and now, with Davante Adams joining the fold, Stafford will have two elite options. The downside? McVay’s system tends to produce one clear alpha receiver, so one of the two may end up with more modest stats.

Although McVay’s offense is known for its aerial precision, the run game is just as complex and important. Originally built around an outside zone scheme similar to Kyle Shanahan’s, the Rams have gradually shifted to a wide zone and “multiple” rushing attack. They now blend in power/gap elements, most notably the “duo” concept introduced by OL coach Ryan Wendell.

The duo run mimics pass protection initially, luring linebackers forward before the running back bursts straight ahead behind double teams. It’s a subtle but deadly change in tempo that has worked wonders for Kyren Williams, who averaged 5.4 yards per carry in these looks. Meanwhile, 2024 third-round pick Blake Corum struggled to adapt, managing only 58 carries. The Rams addressed that by drafting Auburn’s Jarquez Hunter, who thrived in similar duo-based systems in college.

Ultimately, the Rams’ offense under McVay remains layered, deceptive, and constantly evolving. Whether attacking with play-action or setting up power runs through misdirection, it’s never quite the same play twice—even when it looks like it is.

• Best Fits for the System: Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua
• Worst Fits for the System: Blake Corum, Davante Adams

Rams Defensive Breakdown

• Defensive Front: 3-4 with Multi-Front looks
• Secondary: Match Zone
  • Man Coverage: 25.9% (23^rd)
  • Zone Coverage: 73.5% (7^th)

Chris Shula’s first year as defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams had moments of promise, but the overall results fell short of expectations. While the defense showed flashes, a closer look reveals several underlying issues. In 2024, the Rams gave up the seventh-most total yards in the league and ranked just 22nd in sacks, 20th in total pressures, and sixth in missed tackles—numbers that highlight inconsistency across all levels of the unit.

The Rams are technically a 3-4 base defense, but in practice, their fronts are highly fluid and change frequently based on the offensive formation and situation. Last season, it took considerable time to find the right personnel groupings and alignments, particularly to balance pass-rush effectiveness with run defense. Rookies Braden Fiske (defensive end) and Jared Verse (outside linebacker) had their moments, showing high ceilings, but were also quiet for stretches—often struggling with consistency, especially against more polished offensive lines.

Shula’s vision for the defense emphasizes pressure from multiple angles, aiming to create confusion for opposing quarterbacks. He spoke often about being aggressive, but the lack of consistent coverage on the back end limited how often the Rams could truly commit to blitz-heavy packages. The scheme relies heavily on versatile linebackers who can both rush and drop into coverage fluidly. Jared Verse showed promise in this hybrid role, while Byron Young—coming off a strong start to his career with 15.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss over two seasons—is expected to be the engine of the pass rush moving forward.

In the secondary, the Rams deploy a complex “match zone” coverage. This begins as a base zone, often Cover 2, but dynamically adjusts based on motion and shifts from the offense. When executed properly, this structure can morph into man coverage post-snap, creating confusion for quarterbacks expecting a static look. It’s a system that demands sharp instincts, clear communication, and high football IQ from defensive backs and linebackers alike.

However, execution has been a challenge. The Rams finished 20th in pass defense last season, and the secondary remains a concern heading into 2025. Despite their struggles, the front office made minimal offseason upgrades in the defensive backfield. Cornerbacks like Ahkello Witherspoon and Darious Williams will once again be asked to carry the load on the perimeter, which could lead to more vulnerability against teams with elite wideouts.

The good news for Los Angeles is that the NFC West saw several top receivers either depart or go down with injuries in the offseason, including DK Metcalf, Deebo Samuel, and Brandon Aiyuk (for part of the year). That may offer some relief for this underwhelming secondary, but it won’t solve the broader structural issues.

Heading into 2025, the Rams’ defense is built on flexibility, disguised coverages, and a desire to apply pressure—but until the secondary improves and the front seven becomes more consistent, it may remain a defense with more potential than production.

• Best Fits for the System: Byron Young, Jared Verse
• Worst Fits for the System: Kamren Curl, Ahkello Witherspoon

San Francisco 49ers

49ers Offensive Breakdown

The San Francisco 49ers' offensive identity under Kyle Shanahan remains one of the most dynamic and influential in the NFL. While many teams have tried to imitate Shanahan’s style, none can fully replicate it—largely because it never stays the same for long. Even after a turbulent 2024 season, the 49ers enter 2025 with a defined path forward, centered around a full commitment to quarterback Brock Purdy.

At its core, this is a classic West Coast offense built around timing, quick reads, and efficient short-yardage passing. Shanahan relies heavily on formations with the quarterback under center, frequent pre-snap motion, and a heavy dose of play-action—all used to keep defenses guessing. Though the route concepts tend to be short and compact, they are complex in structure and designed to maximize yards after the catch (YAC).

Brock Purdy fits this system well. He’s quick through his progressions, accurate in the short game, and excels at delivering the ball on time. Despite ranking 10th in total passing yards in 2024, Purdy was 26th in deep-ball attempt rate, illustrating the team’s reliance on catch-and-run plays. With Deebo Samuel gone, however, the 49ers may need to tweak those short-route concepts to make up for the lost YAC production.

A key feature in Shanahan’s passing scheme is the tight end drag route—a staple of his offense. George Kittle remains central to this design, often shadowing the quarterback across the field while defenders key in on other threats like Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, or Jauan Jennings. This play consistently finds Kittle in open space, especially against teams with tight outside coverage and a strong pass rush. If Kittle misses time, the system still leans on this concept, regardless of who fills in.

But what truly powers the 49ers’ offense is the run game. Shanahan’s rushing attack is based on a wide-zone blocking scheme that allows running backs to read and react to lateral movement, cutting back when holes open. Some refer to it as a "wide zone," but it’s not just about the angle—it’s about flexibility, vision, and the blocking up front. Shanahan's system can succeed with almost any back, and the track record proves it: from Carlos Hyde to Elijah Mitchell to Raheem Mostert, RBs consistently thrive here—even through injury chaos.

That said, Christian McCaffrey’s health looms large. After a 417-touch campaign in 2023, he played just four games last year before being shut down. With age and usage catching up, the 49ers’ run game could become volatile if their offensive line—which features four new starters since 2023—struggles to execute Shanahan’s zone principles.

This offensive line must be mobile and agile, especially on the interior, where guards are expected to pull and climb to the second level often. The shift from the dominant 2023 unit to a revamped line in 2025 is one of the biggest question marks entering the season. If the blocking falters, the entire system—built on timing, spacing, and deceptive motion—could suffer.

Ultimately, the 49ers’ offense still has the tools to succeed, but in true Shanahan fashion, its evolution will depend on adaptability, health, and execution at the line of scrimmage.

• Best Fits for the System: Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle
• Worst Fits for the System: Jauan Jennings

49ers Defensive Breakdown

• Defensive Front: 4-3 with 4-2-5 mixed in
• Secondary: Man and Cover-3 Zone Mix
  • Man Coverage: 27.2% (19^th)
  • Zone Coverage: 71.8% (11^th)

The San Francisco 49ers’ defense in 2025 marks the return of a familiar face: Robert Saleh. Back as defensive coordinator after a successful head coaching stint with the Jets, Saleh brings a system the 49ers know well—but it comes with some notable updates. While his philosophy remains grounded in the same principles as his first tenure, adjustments in scheme and personnel reflect how his approach has evolved.

At its foundation, Saleh’s defense is built around a 4-3 front and primarily zone-based coverage, particularly Cover-3. The system is designed to generate pressure with the front four, keeping seven in coverage to limit explosive plays. Edge pressure is especially critical in this design, as the deep zone concepts rely on disrupting timing before receivers can threaten the safeties over the top. In his earlier run with San Francisco, Nick Bosa played a starring role in this effort, and he returns as the centerpiece of the pass rush. In 2019 under Saleh, Bosa logged nine sacks and 16 tackles for loss—production the team will need again.

To complement Bosa, the 49ers drafted Mykel Williams in the first round, a versatile edge defender from Georgia with the power and explosiveness to fit the scheme. He’s expected to upgrade the opposite side of the line, where recent starters like Leonard Floyd and Drake Jackson have struggled to consistently set the edge or create pressure. The 49ers are also sticking with the wide-nine alignment, which spaces out the defensive ends to create rushing lanes. While this setup can help generate pressure, it’s been a liability against the run in recent seasons. The hope is that Williams can help stabilize this formation and make it more balanced.

In the second level, linebackers remain essential to Saleh’s system. They must be highly versatile—able to blitz, defend against the run, and drop into coverage. Communication is also critical, especially in zone-heavy looks where misreads can lead to big plays. This linebacker corps differs significantly from the group Saleh last coached in San Francisco, and how quickly they adjust to his demands will be key to the defense’s overall success.

Saleh has traditionally favored three-deep zone coverage, but during his time with the Jets, he experimented with more match-zone concepts and man coverage—particularly with top-tier corners like Sauce Gardner. The 49ers, however, don’t have the same level of talent at corner, which likely means a heavier reliance on zone once again. Instead of consistent Cover-3, the team may lean more on two-deep looks with situational flexibility—occasionally dropping a third safety based on offensive formations or to disguise pressure.

A major change from typical NFL defenses is Saleh’s tendency to keep just five defensive backs in coverage, which puts a huge burden on the safeties. They’re expected to diagnose run plays quickly, fill gaps, and also handle deep coverage responsibilities. That makes the loss of Talanoa Hufanga in free agency especially painful, as his instincts and versatility were tailor-made for this system.

In 2025, Saleh’s return brings a blend of familiarity and adaptation—but success will depend on whether the current personnel can meet the complex demands of his system.

• Best Fits for the System: Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, Fred Warner
• Worst Fits for the System: Malik Mustapha

Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks Offensive Breakdown

The Seattle Seahawks are entering a new era on offense under the guidance of offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, brought in by head coach Mike Macdonald to reshape the unit into a more physical, run-oriented system. Macdonald knows exactly what kind of identity he wants for his team—tough, smart, and disciplined—and it all starts with reestablishing the ground game.

Kubiak brings with him a deep-rooted outside zone philosophy that traces back to Mike Shanahan and legendary offensive line coach Alex Gibbs. While Kyle Shanahan has popularized the scheme in San Francisco, Kubiak’s version, honed through years with the Vikings, 49ers, and Saints, is equally effective and uniquely adapted to today’s game.

The foundation of this new offense will be the outside zone run, with everything else built off of it. Motion will be frequent before the snap, often with multiple players moving to create confusion and misdirection. Once the ball is snapped, play-action and fakes will be heavily used to keep defenders guessing. This approach is designed to hold linebackers and safeties in place just long enough to create windows for the quarterback.

New quarterback Sam Darnold steps into a system tailored to his strengths. While Kubiak’s earlier offenses emphasized quick reads and high-percentage throws, last year in New Orleans he unleashed a deep-passing attack that ranked fifth in the NFL in attempts of 20+ yards. Darnold himself ranked first in deep passing yards and third in touchdowns of that range. His strong play-action game—he was third in the league in attempts last year—should thrive in this new structure, especially when working over the middle of the field.

One of the primary passing designs we’ll see in Seattle is the "Yankee concept," a staple in Kubiak’s playbook. It combines a play-action fake with layered routes: an intermediate dig, a deep post, and a checkdown option. This layout targets defenses that bite on the run fake, opening up the middle for big plays through the air. The additions of Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling suggest a plan to balance reliable possession targets with explosive vertical threats.

The real engine of this offense, though, is the run game. With offensive line coach John Benton, run game coordinator Rick Dennison, and run game specialist Justin Outten all on staff, Seattle has assembled a dream team for installing the outside zone system. Dennison, in particular, is known as one of the best teachers of this scheme, having produced breakout seasons for unlikely running backs across several franchises. That bodes well for Kenneth Walker, who could be poised for a major year.

Seattle is also making key personnel moves to support this shift. First-round pick Grey Zabel was one of college football’s top interior zone blockers in 2024, and fifth-round rookie Robbie Ouzts—converted from tight end—may emerge as a fullback to help seal edges and open cutback lanes.

This new Seahawks offense will be unrecognizable from last year’s iteration—faster, more physical, and built to wear teams down.

• Best Fits for the System: Kenneth Walker, Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba
• Worst Fits for the System: Zach Charbonnet

Seahawks Defensive Breakdown

• Defensive Front: 3-4
• Secondary: Man/Zone Mix with Two-High Safeties
  • Man Coverage: 35.6% (10^th)
  • Zone Coverage: 63.8% (23^rd)

While Aden Durde serves as the defensive coordinator, this is head coach Mike Macdonald's defensive scheme. Durde just maintains and monitors. Macdonald brings a complex and highly adaptable structure built on disguise, versatility, and controlled chaos. At its foundation, the scheme is relatively simple—Macdonald prefers to rush four defenders while keeping seven in coverage. However, it’s how he hides that fourth rusher and manipulates coverage that gives this system its deceptive strength.

Rather than rely on frequent blitzing, Macdonald emphasizes the “illusion of pressure.” The defense will often align in a way that makes it appear a blitz is coming, only for that look to morph at the last second. A linebacker may show blitz pre-snap, then drop into coverage, while a safety or cornerback suddenly crashes in off the edge. The goal is to confuse both the quarterback and offensive line, disguising where the pressure will actually come from while forcing mistakes in protection and decision-making.

This unpredictability extends beyond just the pass rush. Macdonald expects all defenders—linebackers, safeties, even corners—to be able to execute multiple responsibilities. One snap might see a defensive end drop into coverage, while the next has a corner blitzing off the edge. The result is a defensive unit that is constantly shifting roles, creating confusion and hesitation for opposing offenses.

Coverage-wise, Seattle will use a variety of looks. Macdonald mixes zone, man, and hybrid coverages fluidly, tailoring each snap to disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm. Pre-snap, the defense will often show a single-high or two-high safety shell, only to rotate into something entirely different post-snap. While other teams might simply shift to a match-zone concept, Macdonald takes it further—rotating into entirely new coverage shells rather than just adjusting assignments. It’s a cerebral approach that aims to keep the offense uncomfortable at all times.

However, this scheme demands a lot from its personnel, particularly in the secondary. Seattle’s use of man coverage increased significantly last year—they played the 10th most man snaps in the league—but their cornerback group is not ideally suited for it. Riq Woolen made strides in 2024 but still ranked just 57th out of 127 qualified corners in man coverage. Veterans like Josh Jobe and Shaquill Griffin offer depth and experience, but also have similar limitations in one-on-one situations.

This places a heavy burden on the safeties, who must cover, tackle, and occasionally blitz depending on the play call. Julian Love and Coby Bryant have proven to be flexible pieces in this system and carry real IDP (individual defensive player) value because of their high snap counts and all-around usage. Seattle’s second-round rookie Nick Emmanwori could be a pivotal addition—his combination of range, instincts, and physicality makes him a perfect fit for the hybrid responsibilities required in Macdonald’s system.

In short, this defense thrives on misdirection, versatility, and disruption—but its success will hinge on whether the secondary, especially the corners, can hold up long enough for the pressure to hit home.

• Best Fits for the System: Leonard Williams, DeMarcus Lawrence, Nick Emmanwori
• Worst Fits for the System: Riq Woolen, Josh Jobe

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