It was an eventful 2017 NFL season in the NFC West, to say the least. In just a year, the Seattle Seahawks were swiftly replaced atop the division by the surprising Los Angeles Rams. Not to mention, the San Francisco 49ers are suddenly showing plenty of promise with all the new pieces in town.

Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals' injury-riddled year has suddenly raised plenty of questions regarding their expectations moving forward. However, star running back David Johnson thinks the Cardinals are in good shape. During an appearance on the PFT PM podcast, Johnson still feels Arizona will be serious contenders next season:

“We’re definitely at the top,” Johnson said. “It’s a tough division but I feel like we’re definitely still at the top. Even with all of those injuries, we still finished 8-8. With everyone coming back healthy next year, we’re going to be at the top of the division.”

While it is encouraging to see Johnson so optimistic about their chances next year, he is more intent on getting back to full strength.

“Hope so but I’m really focusing more on getting this injury [healed] and making sure that I’m ready to play for 2018 and that I’m as healthy as possible for 2018,” Johnson said, “especially with so much stuff going on in the offseason with the coaches and the quarterback and stuff that I can’t really focus too much on the contract talk.”

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Johnson's 2017 campaign was over almost as quickly as it started after suffering a season-ending wrist injury in the first game of the season. That said, a healthy Johnson will be vital to the Cardinals' success in the years to come.

Over the past several seasons, the Cardinals have largely played second-fiddle to the Seahawks. However, with nearly every other team in the division making tremendous strides, Arizona will need to do the same this offseason.