Seahawks were only a 1/2 game behind the Niners last year despite their offense being neutered the first part of the season. They blew out the Niners (granted in Seattle, but still made them look silly) and were a blown-out-knee away from NFC Championship rubber match against the Niners. Now coming into this season they have made aggressive free agent moves to improve on both sides of the ball, still have a ton of draft picks (and a knack for finding gems in latter rounds) and the easier schedule.
I give the NFC-West edge to the Seahawks, but I think the west is going to come down to which coaching staff can figure out the Rams. Fisher had both teams number last year and they will at the very least play spoiler in the division while also possibly competing for a wild card spot.
NFC-West will represent in the Super Bowl again this year.
They'll probably edge out the Bears in NFC Championship Game.