In the span of one year, two teams closer to the bottom of the division in 2016, with one actually a resident there, have made dramatic moves upward. The Los Angeles Rams at 11-5, in the playoffs, and newest champions of the NFC West are likely to be joined by the San Francisco 49ers, at or near the top of the division in 2018.
The Niners, who absolutely worked the Rams to close out a five game win streak AND the 2017 season, look to be working from a similar template as their division counterpart in Los Angeles.