2014 NFL Schedule: W-L Predictions for Every Team 0 of 32 Morry Gash This is what's going to happen in the upcoming NFL season. Let's not even play the games. Of course, that is crazy talk. Anything can happen in just about every NFL game, so these predictions are just that—predictions. This is a projection of what the season could look like from my perspective based on the release of the NFL schedule. A lot is going to happen between now and the regular season in September. Players are going to be injured. Little-known athletes are going to come out of nowhere to become role players for their teams. More free agents are going to be signed. Oh, and there's this little thing called the draft. Right now, every single team is going to ostensibly get better in about a month. So, the question is: Which teams are going to get better incrementally and which will get better by larger margins? The crazy amount of variability is almost assuredly going to shake up these projections by the preseason. So, why do this? In short, we've known who was playing whom for a long time, but now we see how the when plays into that knowledge. The New York Jets, for instance, will play the top two AFC seeds from a year ago, the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots, in a five-day span in mid-October. Coach Rex Ryan said of the quick turnaround, via Darryl Slater of The Star-Ledger, "Obviously, that's a huge challenge. We'll be up for it. You're facing the two best teams in the AFC last year. We'll have a lot of football to play up until that, and hopefully we're hitting our stride when we play those two teams." And now that we can start to piece together the when, we know more about the upcoming season than ever before. Rather than go around the same ridiculous NFL draft rumors that anonymous executives are spouting, it's a perfect time to take the league's temperature.

Buffalo Bills 1 of 32 Gary Wiepert Projected Record: 4-12 Schedule (Wins are in bold) Week 1: @Chicago Bears

@Chicago Bears Week 2: Miami Dolphins

Week 3: San Diego Chargers

San Diego Chargers Week 4: @Houston Texans

@Houston Texans Week 5: @Detroit Lions

@Detroit Lions Week 6: New England Patriots

New England Patriots Week 7: Minnesota Vikings

Week 8: @New York Jets

@New York Jets Week 9: Bye

Bye Week 10: Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs Week 11: @Miami Dolphins

@Miami Dolphins Week 12: New York Jets

Week 13: Cleveland Browns

Week 14: @Denver Broncos

@Denver Broncos Week 15: Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers Week 16: @Oakland Raiders

@Oakland Raiders Week 17: @New England Patriots How That Record Improves: Quarterback EJ Manuel needs to perform in a very big way, as do many of the young players in the receiving corps. C.J. Spiller, too, has a lot of untapped potential that he should start showing on a more consistent basis. If most or all of that clicks, the wins will pile up. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: Rock bottom will occur if the Bills have to move forward with a new plan at quarterback. Goal No. 1 for 2014 is making sure Manuel is the guy. Bottom Line: Bills fans won't appreciate this sort of record in head coach Doug Marrone's second year, but Buffalo has a tough schedule, and there are a lot of question marks on a roster that needs tons of help in the draft. Projected Finish in Division: Third

Miami Dolphins 2 of 32 Bill Wippert Projected Record: 3-13 Schedule (Wins are in bold) Week 1: New England Patriots

New England Patriots Week 2: @Buffalo Bills

@Buffalo Bills Week 3: Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs Week 4: @Oakland Raiders

@Oakland Raiders Week 5: Bye

Bye Week 6: Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers Week 7: @Chicago Bears

@Chicago Bears Week 8: @Jacksonville Jaguars

@Jacksonville Jaguars Week 9: San Diego Chargers

San Diego Chargers Week 10: @Detroit Lions

@Detroit Lions Week 11: Buffalo Bills

Week 12: @Denver Broncos

@Denver Broncos Week 13: @New York Jets

@New York Jets Week 14: Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens Week 15: @New England Patriots

@New England Patriots Week 16: Minnesota Vikings

Week 17: New York Jets How That Record Improves: A rough schedule only improves if the Dolphins can consistently win on the road, where their easiest matchups exist. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: This looks a lot like rock bottom for the Dolphins already. Head coach Joe Philbin would likely find himself fired midseason, and Ryan Tannehill (whom I like as a franchise quarterback) would become expendable. Bottom Line: The Dolphins are a better team than this record indicates, but it's difficult to trust them before they prove they can take care of business. Projected Finish in Division: Fourth

New England Patriots 3 of 32 Lynne Sladky Projected Record: 12-4 Schedule (Wins are in bold) Week 1: @Miami Dolphins

Week 2: @Minnesota Vikings

Week 3: Oakland Raiders

Week 4: @Kansas City Chiefs

@Kansas City Chiefs Week 5: Cincinnati Bengals

Week 6: @Buffalo Bills

Week 7: New York Jets

Week 8: Chicago Bears

Week 9: Denver Broncos

Week 10: Bye

Bye Week 11: @Indianapolis Colts

@Indianapolis Colts Week 12: Detroit Lions

Week 13: @Green Bay Packers

@Green Bay Packers Week 14: @San Diego Chargers

Week 15: Miami Dolphins

Week 16: @New York Jets

@New York Jets Week 17: Buffalo Bills How That Record Improves: It's tough to improve on this record, but special things could happen for the Patriots this season if some of the younger offensive skill position talent clicks at the right time. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: Tom Brady gets hurt or declines further rather than rebounds from last year's performance. Also, the defense regressing from last year seems unlikely with cornerback Darrelle Revis in the fold, but upheaval in the front seven could bring a slight decline. Bottom Line: People seem more down on the Patriots than last year's performance actually warranted. Look for them to get back on track. Projected Finish in Division: First

New York Jets 4 of 32 Jonathan Bachman Projected Record: 6-10 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: Oakland Raiders

Week 2: @Green Bay Packers

@Green Bay Packers Week 3: Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears Week 4: Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions Week 5: @San Diego Chargers

@San Diego Chargers Week 6: Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos Week 7: @New England Patriots

@New England Patriots Week 8: Buffalo Bills

Week 9: @Kansas City Chiefs

@Kansas City Chiefs Week 10: Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 11: Bye

Bye Week 12: @Buffalo Bills

Week 13: Miami Dolphins

Week 14: @Minnesota Vikings

@Minnesota Vikings Week 15: @Tennessee Titans

Week 16: New England Patriots

Week 17: @Miami Dolphins How That Record Improves: Michael Vick needs to hit his stride, and early, or Geno Smith has to take huge steps forward from a good final stretch in 2013. Eric Decker, meanwhile, needs to prove he's a viable No. 1. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: If Vick gets hurt (or is ineffective), it will force Geno Smith to play. If Smith falls on his face, the Jets will be rebuilding again in 2015. Bottom Line: Another good draft could push the defense to new heights, but deficiencies on offense and the lack of a capable starting cornerback could deep-six this team early. Projected Finish in Division: Second

Baltimore Ravens 5 of 32 Andy Lyons/Getty Images Projected Record: 11-5 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: Cincinnati Bengals

Week 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 3: @Cleveland Browns

Week 4: Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers Week 5: @Indianapolis Colts

@Indianapolis Colts Week 6: @Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 7: Atlanta Falcons

Week 8: @Cincinnati Bengals

@Cincinnati Bengals Week 9: @Pittsburgh Steelers

@Pittsburgh Steelers Week 10: Tennessee Titans

Week 11: Bye

Bye Week 12: @New Orleans Saints

@New Orleans Saints Week 13: San Diego Chargers

Week 14: @Miami Dolphins

Week 15: Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 16: @Houston Texans

Week 17: Cleveland Browns How That Record Improves: The defense was improved in 2013, but another step forward from the younger players on the D could put them into the 13- to 14-win range. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: A Joe Flacco nosedive would hamstring the Ravens from a team-building perspective as well as in the win-loss column. Bottom Line: Ozzie Newsome never seems to take very long to restock the shelves, and the Ravens should be back in the playoffs in 2014. Projected Finish in Division: First

Cincinnati Bengals 6 of 32 Tom Uhlman Projected Record: 10-6 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: @Baltimore Ravens

@Baltimore Ravens Week 2: Atlanta Falcons

Week 3: Tennessee Titans

Week 4: Bye

Bye Week 5: @New England Patriots

@New England Patriots Week 6: Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers Week 7: @Indianapolis Colts

Week 8: Baltimore Ravens

Week 9: Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 10: Cleveland Browns

Week 11: @New Orleans Saints

@New Orleans Saints Week 12: @Houston Texans

Week 13: @Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 14: Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 15: @Cleveland Browns

Week 16: Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos Week 17: @Pittsburgh Steelers How That Record Improves: Andy Dalton needs to take advantage of all the weapons this team has given him. The defense will have Geno Atkins back and be trying to rebound. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: Bengals players seem to tune Marvin Lewis out every couple of years, and it remains to be seen how much the now-departed Mike Zimmer was holding things together on the defensive side of the ball. Bottom Line: Having two new coordinators isn't going to make for an easy transition, but the Bengals have the opportunity to strike in a shaky AFC North. I have them finishing second, but first is by no means out of the question. Projected Finish in Division: Second

Cleveland Browns 7 of 32 Jim Rogash/Getty Images Projected Record: 2-14 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: @Pittsburgh Steelers

@Pittsburgh Steelers Week 2: New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints Week 3: Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens Week 4: Bye

Bye Week 5: @Tennessee Titans

@Tennessee Titans Week 6: Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 7: @Jacksonville Jaguars

@Jacksonville Jaguars Week 8: Oakland Raiders

Week 9: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 10: @Cincinnati Bengals

@Cincinnati Bengals Week 11: Houston Texans

Houston Texans Week 12: @Atlanta Falcons

@Atlanta Falcons Week 13: @Buffalo Bills

@Buffalo Bills Week 14: Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts Week 15: Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals Week 16: @Carolina Panthers

@Carolina Panthers Week 17: @Baltimore Ravens How That Record Improves: The Browns need to find a quarterback—scratch that, the quarterback in the draft. Another decade of upheaval and mediocrity at the position isn't helping anyone in Cleveland. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: Aren't we there? Missing on both first-round picks or waiting for their guy at quarterback, and missing out on him would be even worse. Still, things can't be that much worse. Bottom Line: Browns fans want, and deserve, a better team, so this projection will likely make a few people nervous or (more likely) irate. With a great draft, though, the Browns have as good a chance as anyone to make this early prediction look foolish. Projected Finish in Division: Fourth

Pittsburgh Steelers 8 of 32 USA TODAY Sports Projected Record: 6-10 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: Cleveland Browns

Week 2: @Baltimore Ravens

@Baltimore Ravens Week 3: @Carolina Panthers

@Carolina Panthers Week 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 5: @Jacksonville Jaguars

@Jacksonville Jaguars Week 6: @Cleveland Browns

@Cleveland Browns Week 7: Houston Texans

Week 8: Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts Week 9: Baltimore Ravens

Week 10: @New York Jets

@New York Jets Week 11: @Tennessee Titans

Week 12: Bye

Bye Week 13: New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints Week 14: @Cincinnati Bengals

@Cincinnati Bengals Week 15: @Atlanta Falcons

@Atlanta Falcons Week 16: Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs Week 17: Cincinnati Bengals How That Record Improves: The defense is a bit of a revolving door, so that needs to be closed permanently with more young additions. Failing that, the offense needs to be better in a big way, both on the run and the pass. Last season, some of the pieces were there but just didn't click. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: The Steelers' standards allow for a rocky patch every so often, but a six-win season would not only be a backslide from last year, but also proof that this isn't just a rough spell. Bottom Line: The Steelers have an interesting mix of good young talent, but the veterans fell off a cliff sooner than many in that front office probably expected. The new guard will need to fill that gap. Projected Finish in Division: Third

Houston Texans 9 of 32 USA TODAY Sports Projected Record: 7-9 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: Washington

Week 2: @Oakland Raiders

@Oakland Raiders Week 3: @New York Giants

@New York Giants Week 4: Buffalo Bills

Week 5: @Dallas Cowboys

@Dallas Cowboys Week 6: Indianapolis Colts

Week 7: @Pittsburgh Steelers

@Pittsburgh Steelers Week 8: @Tennessee Titans

Week 9: Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles Week 10: Bye

Bye Week 11: @Cleveland Browns

Week 12: Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals Week 13: Tennessee Titans

Week 14: @Jacksonville Jaguars

@Jacksonville Jaguars Week 15: @Indianapolis Colts

@Indianapolis Colts Week 16: Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens Week 17: Jacksonville Jaguars How That Record Improves: Honestly, that's already a pretty big improvement and—at least to some extent—assumes a solid addition at the top of the draft. It also factors in a healthy Brian Cushing at linebacker (maybe for a whole year this time?) and a team that is more ready for "any given Sunday" than it was last year under Gary Kubiak. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: Rick Smith got a bit of a pass this past offseason when he missed on some players in the past (remember big free-agent acquisition Ed Reed?). If the draft doesn't pan out as planned, this team could be right back up top next offseason with a new man at the helm. Bottom Line: Find a quarterback, or seven wins is a pipe dream. Projected Finish in Division: Second

Indianapolis Colts 10 of 32 USA TODAY Sports Projected Record: 12-4 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1 : @Denver Broncos

: @Denver Broncos Week 2: Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles Week 3: @Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 4: Tennessee Titans

Week 5: Baltimore Ravens

Week 6: @Houston Texans

@Houston Texans Week 7: Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals Week 8: @Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 9: @New York Giants

Week 10: Bye

Bye Week 11: New England Patriots

Week 12: Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 13: Washington

Week 14: @Cleveland Browns

Week 15: Houston Texans

Week 16: @Dallas Cowboys

Week 17: @Tennessee Titans How That Record Improves: This projection is admittedly bullish thanks to the return of wide receiver Reggie Wayne and the continued ascent of quarterback Andrew Luck. It could get even better if the Colts find a run game. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: Even a disastrous showing in terms of record wouldn't be considered rock bottom unless Luck regresses considerably. Anything less than first place will be considered a disappointment, though. Bottom Line: The Colts are in the catbird seat once again in the AFC South, and it would take a dramatic turnaround from one of the other teams to change that anytime soon. Projected Finish in Division: First

Jacksonville Jaguars 11 of 32 Stacy Revere/Getty Images Projected Record: 6-10 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: @Philadelphia Eagles

@Philadelphia Eagles Week 2: @Washington

@Washington Week 3: Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts Week 4: @San Diego Chargers

@San Diego Chargers Week 5: Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 6: @Tennessee Titans

@Tennessee Titans Week 7: Cleveland Browns

Week 8: Miami Dolphins

Week 9: @Cincinnati Bengals

@Cincinnati Bengals Week 10: Dallas Cowboys

Week 11: Bye

Bye Week 12: @Indianapolis Colts

@Indianapolis Colts Week 13: New York Giants

New York Giants Week 14: Houston Texans

Week 15: @Baltimore Ravens

@Baltimore Ravens Week 16: Tennessee Titans

Week 17: @Houston Texans How That Record Improves: Either the Jaguars need to find a quarterback to supplant Chad Henne or Toby Gerhart has to outperform every reasonable expectation. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: The slow but sure rebuild in Jacksonville is real, but a misstep (like a draft bust or Gus Bradley somehow losing the team) would send Jaguars fans into a self-loathing spiral. Bottom Line: I'm consistently "high" on the decision-makers in Jacksonville, but there is still plenty of work to do. Progress is the name of the game, and shortcuts aren't going to help anyone. Projected Finish in Division: Third

Tennessee Titans 12 of 32 Wade Payne Projected Record: 2-14 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: @Kansas City Chiefs

@Kansas City Chiefs Week 2: Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys Week 3: @Cincinnati Bengals

@Cincinnati Bengals Week 4: @Indianapolis Colts

@Indianapolis Colts Week 5: Cleveland Browns

Week 6: Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 7: @Washington

@Washington Week 8: Houston Texans

Houston Texans Week 9: Bye

Bye Week 10: @Baltimore Ravens

@Baltimore Ravens Week 11: Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers Week 12: @Philadelphia Eagles

@Philadelphia Eagles Week 13: @Houston Texans

@Houston Texans Week 14: New York Giants

New York Giants Week 15: New York Jets

New York Jets Week 16: @Jacksonville Jaguars

@Jacksonville Jaguars Week 17: Indianapolis Colts How That Record Improves: Jake Locker needs to show improvement he hasn't shown since his freshman year of college, and consequently, some of those pass-catchers need to contribute as well. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: This is pretty much it for a team with a new head coach, and this record will almost ensure Tennessee of a top quarterback pick in 2015. If the defense backslides as well, however, the rebuilding plan could take a lot longer to implement. Bottom Line: Change is finally happening in Tennessee following Mike Munchak's mostly inept regime. Rome wasn't built in a day, though. Projected Finish in Division: Fourth

Denver Broncos 13 of 32 Julio Cortez Projected Record: 12-4 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: Indianapolis Colts

Week 2: Kansas City Chiefs

Week 3: @Seattle Seahawks

@Seattle Seahawks Week 4: Bye

Bye Week 5: Arizona Cardinals

Week 6: @New York Jets

Week 7: San Francisco 49ers

Week 8: San Diego Chargers

Week 9: @New England Patriots

@New England Patriots Week 10: @Oakland Raiders

Week 11: @St. Louis Rams

Week 12: Miami Dolphins

Week 13: @Kansas City Chiefs

@Kansas City Chiefs Week 14: Buffalo Bills

Week 15: @San Diego Chargers

@San Diego Chargers Week 16: @Cincinnati Bengals

Week 17: Oakland Raiders How That Record Improves: Twelve wins would already make up a solid season for the Broncos, but they're hoping an improved defense and continued MVP-caliber play from Peyton Manning assure them of the AFC's top seed. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: Forget about the Super Bowl for a second (don't worry; the flashbacks will be back shortly) and reminisce about how the Jacksonville Jaguars gave Manning and company everything they could handle. Teams will be gunning for Denver, and the Seahawks and Jaguars showed them how. Bottom Line: As long as Manning is playing at a high level, this is one of the best teams in football, as well as one of the best offenses in this era. Projected Finish in Division: First

Kansas City Chiefs 14 of 32 Reed Hoffmann Projected Record: 11-5 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: Tennessee Titans

Week 2 : @Denver Broncos

: @Denver Broncos Week 3: @Miami Dolphins

Week 4: New England Patriots

Week 5: @San Francisco 49ers

@San Francisco 49ers Week 6: Bye

Bye Week 7: @San Diego Chargers

@San Diego Chargers Week 8: St. Louis Rams

Week 9: New York Jets

Week 10: @Buffalo Bills

Week 11: Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks Week 12: @Oakland Raiders

Week 13: Denver Broncos

Week 14: @Arizona Cardinals

@Arizona Cardinals Week 15: Oakland Raiders

Week 16: @Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 17: San Diego Chargers How That Record Improves: This assumes the same sort of "beat the teams you should beat" record that the Chiefs had last year and the same great defense/competent offense combination. With a step forward from either unit, things could be even better. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: The offensive line is full of question marks, and it's very possible the offense ends up taking a step back rather than forward. Bottom Line: This is a tenuous projection with a nice schedule, albeit Cleveland loses just about every game against the NFC West. A record of 11-5 is the potential, but I wouldn't be at all surprised with eight or nine wins either. Projected Finish in Division: Second

Oakland Raiders 15 of 32 Marcio Jose Sanchez Projected Record: 4-12 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: @New York Jets

@New York Jets Week 2: Houston Texans

Week 3: @New England Patriots

@New England Patriots Week 4: Miami Dolphins

Week 5: Bye

Bye Week 6: San Diego Chargers

Week 7: Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals Week 8: @Cleveland Browns

@Cleveland Browns Week 9: @Seattle Seahawks

@Seattle Seahawks Week 10: Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos Week 11: @San Diego Chargers

@San Diego Chargers Week 12: Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs Week 13: @St. Louis Rams

@St. Louis Rams Week 14: San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers Week 15: @Kansas City Chiefs

@Kansas City Chiefs Week 16: Buffalo Bills

Week 17: @Denver Broncos How That Record Improves: A lot of old guys need to play better than they've played in recent years. The free-agency spree was a bit of a crutch, but if some of the pickups regain old form, the Raiders will at least be a tougher out than they've been. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: If Matt Schaub plays like he played last year (or worse), the whole franchise could come tumbling down around Reggie McKenzie and Dennis Allen's heads. The Davis family isn't known to have a whole lot of patience. Bottom Line: The Raiders look to be climbing out of the muck and mire of Al Davis' final years, but a setback could mean more rebuilding by a new regime. Projected Finish in Division: Fourth

San Diego Chargers 16 of 32 DENIS POROY Projected Record: 8-8 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: @Arizona Cardinals

Week 2: Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks Week 3: @Buffalo Bills

Week 4: Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 5: New York Jets

Week 6: @Oakland Raiders

@Oakland Raiders Week 7: Kansas City Chiefs

Week 8: @Denver Broncos

@Denver Broncos Week 9: @Miami Dolphins

Week 10: Bye

Bye Week 11: Oakland Raiders

Week 12: St. Louis Rams

St. Louis Rams Week 13: @Baltimore Ravens

@Baltimore Ravens Week 14: New England Patriots

New England Patriots Week 15: Denver Broncos

Week 16: @San Francisco 49ers

@San Francisco 49ers Week 17: @Kansas City Chiefs How That Record Improves: This is a tough schedule for the Chargers, but if Philip Rivers plays like he played last year, 10 wins isn't out of the realm of possibility. If the defense regains its form, 11 or 12 wins is a fringe hope. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: I don't foresee any regression from Rivers because of Ken Whisenhunt's departure, but any faltering from the offense would put far too much pressure on a questionable defense. For all their success last year, the Chargers still need a great draft to shore things up. Bottom Line: Eight wins seems almost like a cop-out, but a bunch of tough road games and some even tougher opponents on the home slate make this season look a bit like murderers' row for a Chargers team that is struggling to get back to legitimacy. Projected Finish in Division: Third

Dallas Cowboys 17 of 32 Gus Ruelas Projected Record: 6-10 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers Week 2: @Tennessee Titans

Week 3: @St. Louis Rams

@St. Louis Rams Week 4: New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints Week 5: Houston Texans

Week 6: @Seattle Seahawks

@Seattle Seahawks Week 7: New York Giants

Week 8: Washington

Week 9: Arizona Cardinals

Week 10: @Jacksonville Jaguars

@Jacksonville Jaguars Week 11: Bye

Bye Week 12: @New York Giants

@New York Giants Week 13: Philadelphia Eagles

Week 14: @Chicago Bears

@Chicago Bears Week 15: @Philadelphia Eagles

@Philadelphia Eagles Week 16: Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts Week 17: @Washington How That Record Improves: The Cowboys have talent on both sides of the ball, but they have failed to close out games time and again. People love to blame Tony Romo, but he's the constant here. The record only gets better if the people around him start picking up some slack rather than dropping the ball. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: Rock bottom for the Cowboys seemingly looks different than any other team. It means another year at or slightly below mediocrity that allows owner/general manager/radio host/professional meddler Jerry Jones to continue to prove he's not the problem. Bottom Line: Years of salary-cap mismanagement and scheme overhaul left the Cowboys little recourse to improve before the draft. That means staying static could be a best-case scenario. Projected Finish in Division: Third

New York Giants 18 of 32 Kathy Willens Projected Record: 8-8 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: @Detroit Lions

@Detroit Lions Week 2: Arizona Cardinals

Week 3: Houston Texans

Week 4: @Washington

@Washington Week 5: Atlanta Falcons

Week 6: @Philadelphia Eagles

@Philadelphia Eagles Week 7: @Dallas Cowboys

@Dallas Cowboys Week 8: Bye

Bye Week 9: Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts Week 10: Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks Week 11: San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers Week 12: Dallas Cowboys

Week 13: @Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 14: @Tennessee Titans

Week 15: Washington

Week 16: @St. Louis Rams

@St. Louis Rams Week 17: Philadelphia Eagles How That Record Improves: Eli Manning needs to play a lot better, and the new offense must click almost immediately. The Giants have mediocre talent across the board and didn't play above that level in 2013. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: Tom Coughlin continuing his steady descent into retirement is almost a sure thing at this point, but a sharp drop-off or public displays of disaffection from the team's star players would pull the rug out from a Giants team that is trying desperately to give him one last hurrah. Bottom Line: The Giants got better, if only slightly, this offseason, but there's plenty of work left to do. That's just player acquisition as well, which is an important distinction because the coaching has left a lot to be desired in recent years from head coach and coordinators alike. Projected Finish in Division: Second

Philadelphia Eagles 19 of 32 Michael Perez Projected Record: 11-5 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 2: @Indianapolis Colts

Week 3: Washington

Week 4: @San Francisco 49ers

@San Francisco 49ers Week 5: St. Louis Rams

Week 6: New York Giants

Week 7: Bye

Bye Week 8: @Arizona Cardinals

Week 9: @Houston Texans

Week 10: Carolina Panthers

Week 11: @Green Bay Packers

@Green Bay Packers Week 12: Tennessee Titans

Week 13: @Dallas Cowboys

@Dallas Cowboys Week 14: Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks Week 15: Dallas Cowboys

Week 16: @Washington

Week 17: @New York Giants How That Record Improves: Chip Kelly's offensive juggernaut hits its stride early and downs opponents often. While much as been made about the Eagles defense this offseason, it's still all about who has more points on the board. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: Quarterback Nick Foles was great last year and outplayed just about everyone's expectations. He'll have to take the next step, though, with a year of tape on him and the offense. Any regression would be fodder for the critics. Bottom Line: With the Eagles' successes last year, it's easy to forget this is still a pseudo-rebuilding team. Anything from 10-12 wins seems likely, but this is still about staying the course for 2015 and beyond than immediate gains in the upcoming season. Projected Finish in Division: First

Washington 20 of 32 Evan Vucci Projected Record: 4-12 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: @Houston Texans

@Houston Texans Week 2: Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 3: @Philadelphia Eagles

@Philadelphia Eagles Week 4: New York Giants

New York Giants Week 5: Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks Week 6: @Arizona Cardinals

@Arizona Cardinals Week 7: Tennessee Titans

Week 8: @Dallas Cowboys

@Dallas Cowboys Week 9: @Minnesota Vikings

@Minnesota Vikings Week 10: Bye

Bye Week 11: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 12: @San Francisco 49ers

@San Francisco 49ers Week 13: @Indianapolis Colts

@Indianapolis Colts Week 14: St. Louis Rams

St. Louis Rams Week 15: @New York Giants

Week 16: Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles Week 17: Dallas Cowboys How That Record Improves: Quarterback Robert Griffin III needs to be better than he was last season, plain and simple. The defense—still coached by Jim Haslett—needs to be even better yet. There was a lot of atrocious football in Washington last season, and some of the offenders are still there. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: One of the biggest reasons RGIII failed was because he didn't transition from the college-style playbook (read: crutch) he was allowed in his rookie season into the West Coast-style passing attack that the Shanahans have used forever. Washington's new offense will have similar principles, and RGIII will have a full/healthy offseason to learn them. If he doesn't, things are going to be bad in a hurry. Bottom Line: Look, the name stuff has nothing to do with the product on the field (regardless of how you feel about it), but if Washington wants to give people something else to talk about, start winning more football games. Projected Finish in Division: Fourth

Chicago Bears 21 of 32 USA TODAY Sports Projected Record: 11-5 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: Buffalo Bills

Week 2: @San Francisco 49ers

@San Francisco 49ers Week 3: @New York Jets

Week 4: Green Bay Packers

Week 5: @Carolina Panthers

@Carolina Panthers Week 6: @Atlanta Falcons

Week 7: Miami Dolphins

Week 8: @New England Patriots

@New England Patriots Week 9: Bye

Bye Week 10: @Green Bay Packers

@Green Bay Packers Week 11: Minnesota Vikings

Week 12: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 13: @Detroit Lions

@Detroit Lions Week 14: Dallas Cowboys

Week 15: New Orleans Saints

Week 16: Detroit Lions

Week 17: @Minnesota Vikings How That Record Improves: The passing game is set, but if the running game and offensive line continue to jell like they did last season, the offensive side of the ball is going to be truly special. If the defense gives them anything—literally almost anything—we're talking about a potential top seed in a tough NFC. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: The defense is a known liability, but quarterback Jay Cutler and wide receiver Brandon Marshall are both wild cards. A few losses, and things could derail for this team. Bottom Line: The Bears are probably a year or two away from being one of the best teams in football, but that defense fell apart and needs to be fixed sooner rather than later. Projected Finish in Division: Second

Detroit Lions 22 of 32 Rick Osentoski Projected Record: 8-8 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: New York Giants

Week 2: @Carolina Panthers

@Carolina Panthers Week 3: Green Bay Packers

Week 4: @New York Jets

Week 5: Buffalo Bills

Week 6: @Minnesota Vikings

@Minnesota Vikings Week 7: New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints Week 8: @Atlanta Falcons

@Atlanta Falcons Week 9: Bye

Bye Week 10: Miami Dolphins

Week 11: @Arizona Cardinals

@Arizona Cardinals Week 12: @New England Patriots

@New England Patriots Week 13: Chicago Bears

Week 14: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 15: Minnesota Vikings

Week 16: @Chicago Bears

@Chicago Bears Week 17: @Green Bay Packers How That Record Improves: New head coach Jim Caldwell has promised to get quarterback Matthew Stafford's mechanics and consistency right. With a healthy and competent offense, the sky is the limit. That's a big "if" though... How Things Hit Rock Bottom: Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh in any sort of holdout situation, regression from Stafford, injuries to running back Reggie Bush or receiver Calvin Johnson—it's all possible. If it all happens at the same time, this is a two-win team. Bottom Line: While critics focus on the defensive deficiencies, this team was built around an offense driving the train. Last year, that offense failed. Now, with a new offensive head coach, another receiver brought in as a top free-agency signing and targeting every receiver and tight end at the top of the draft, that trend is continuing. The offense needs to come through. Projected Finish in Division: Third

Green Bay Packers 23 of 32 Mike Roemer Projected Record: 12-4 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: @Seattle Seahawks

@Seattle Seahawks Week 2: New York Jets

Week 3: @Detroit Lions

@Detroit Lions Week 4: @Chicago Bears

@Chicago Bears Week 5: Minnesota Vikings

Week 6: @Miami Dolphins

Week 7: Carolina Panthers

Week 8: @New Orleans Saints

@New Orleans Saints Week 9: Bye

Bye Week 10: Chicago Bears

Week 11: Philadelphia Eagles

Week 12: @Minnesota Vikings

Week 13: New England Patriots

Week 14: Atlanta Falcons

Week 15: @Buffalo Bills

Week 16: @Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 17: Detroit Lions How That Record Improves: With a healthy Aaron Rodgers at quarterback and a legit pass-rusher like Julius Peppers giving the defense some teeth alongside linebacker Clay Matthews, this team is looking to rebound in a big way. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: Obviously, going to the quarterback bullpen didn't work out last year, so the team needs to keep Rodgers healthy and upright. Peppers is already on the decline, and a scheme shift might not help that very much. Bottom Line: The Packers were one of the best teams in football entering a 2013 season where just about nothing went right. This season, the ball needs to bounce their way a little more often, but it's foolhardy to forget that this is still one of the best teams in the NFL. Projected Finish in Division: First

Minnesota Vikings 24 of 32 USA TODAY Sports Projected Record: 4-12 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: @St. Louis Rams

@St. Louis Rams Week 2: New England Patriots

New England Patriots Week 3: @New Orleans Saints

@New Orleans Saints Week 4: Atlanta Falcons

Week 5: @Green Bay Packers

@Green Bay Packers Week 6: Detroit Lions

Week 7: @Buffalo Bills

@Buffalo Bills Week 8: @Tampa Bay Buccaneers

@Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 9: Washington

Week 10: Bye

Bye Week 11: @Chicago Bears

@Chicago Bears Week 12: Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers Week 13: Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers Week 14: New York Jets

Week 15: @Detroit Lions

@Detroit Lions Week 16: @Miami Dolphins

@Miami Dolphins Week 17: Chicago Bears How That Record Improves: Competence under center might be too much to ask for, but the defense should see a boost with new head coach Mike Zimmer at the helm. A strong running game and defense have led this team to the playoffs (or close) before—but it's a long shot. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: Quarterbacks Christian Ponder and Matt Cassel both remain with their heads where the proverbial sun doesn't shine, and the box gets stacked against running back Adrian Peterson. Defensive boost or not, the offense needs to score some points. Bottom Line: Once upon a time, the Vikings were a good team with a bad quarterback. Now, they're a bad team with a big ol' question mark at quarterback. That isn't progress. Projected Finish in Division: Fourth

Atlanta Falcons 25 of 32 Stephen Dunn/Getty Images Projected Record: 6-10 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints Week 2: @ Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 4: @Minnesota Vikings

@Minnesota Vikings Week 5: @New York Giants

@New York Giants Week 6: Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears Week 7: @Baltimore Ravens

@Baltimore Ravens Week 8: Detroit Lions

Week 9: Bye

Bye Week 10: @Tampa Bay Buccaneers

@Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 11: @Carolina Panthers

@Carolina Panthers Week 12: Cleveland Browns

Week 13: Arizona Cardinals

Week 14: @Green Bay Packers

@Green Bay Packers Week 15: Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 16: @New Orleans Saints

@New Orleans Saints Week 17: Carolina Panthers How That Record Improves: A fully intact passing game and a solid rushing attack would be a nice change of pace from 2013, but in a stacked NFC South, the Falcons defense needs to take a couple of leaps and bounds forward. Getting a pass rush would help. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: Rock bottom was last year. Anything that looks like that will get Mike Smith fired as head coach. Bottom Line: Falcons fans want a quick turnaround from last year, but many of the issues on the roster were starting to become evident the year before (yes, even while the team was making the playoffs). I trust the decision-makers in Atlanta, and the quarterback play is legit, but expectations need to be managed. Projected Finish in Division: Fourth

Carolina Panthers 26 of 32 Chuck Burton Projected Record: 10-6 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: @Tampa Bay Buccaneers

@Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 2: Detroit Lions

Week 3: Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 4: @Baltimore Ravens

Week 5: Chicago Bears

Week 6: @Cincinnati Bengals

Week 7: @Green Bay Packers

@Green Bay Packers Week 8: Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks Week 9: New Orleans Saints

Week 10: @Philadelphia Eagles

@Philadelphia Eagles Week 11: Atlanta Falcons

Week 12: Bye

Bye Week 13: @Minnesota Vikings

Week 14: @New Orleans Saints

@New Orleans Saints Week 15: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 16: Cleveland Browns

Week 17: @Atlanta Falcons How That Record Improves: The Panthers need to find some more receiving talent—either wide receivers and/or another tight end—in the draft. If they strike gold, Cam Newton would be awfully happy. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: Of course, there are also needs along the offensive line and in the defensive backfield to worry about. A team built around a strong front seven needs plenty of depth and rotational talent there as well. Suffice it to say, general manager Dave Gettleman has plenty of work left to do. Bottom Line: Playoffs or not in 2013, there has to be a deliberate road to rebuilding, and it looks like Gettleman is taking that path by not overpaying players and continuing to build through the draft. Fans need to be prepared for a slight step back in 2014 in order to facilitate more long-lasting gains in the future. Projected Finish in Division: Second

New Orleans Saints 27 of 32 John Froschauer Projected Record: 13-3 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: @Atlanta Falcons

Week 2: @Cleveland Browns

Week 3: Minnesota Vikings

Week 4: @Dallas Cowboys

Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 6: Bye

Bye Week 7: @Detroit Lions

Week 8: Green Bay Packers

Week 9: @Carolina Panthers

@Carolina Panthers Week 10: San Francisco 49ers

Week 11: Cincinnati Bengals

Week 12: Baltimore Ravens

Week 13: @Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 14: Carolina Panthers

Week 15: @Chicago Bears

@Chicago Bears Week 16: Atlanta Falcons

Week 17: @Tampa Bay Buccaneers How That Record Improves: I'm not going to say this is pie in the sky, but it's already pretty fantastic for the Saints to bounce back so quickly. Last year, they had a top-10 offense and defense, so this has them improving on that and continuing to hold serve with their incredible home-field advantage. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: This offseason, the Saints jettisoned a lot of old offensive players who were once huge parts of the system. If the replacements for guys like running back Darren Sproles and wide receiver Lance Moore don't fit neatly into the system (not only in terms of production but also comfort with quarterback Drew Brees), there could be speed bumps. Bottom Line: Safety Jairus Byrd is going to help redefine this defense. As mentioned, the Saints were already statistically great last season, but it might be time to start talking about them among the San Franciscos and Carolinas of the world. Projected Finish in Division: First

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28 of 32 Chris O'Meara Projected Record: 8-8 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: Carolina Panthers

Week 2: St. Louis Rams

Week 3: @Atlanta Falcons

@Atlanta Falcons Week 4: @Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 5: @New Orleans Saints

@New Orleans Saints Week 6: Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens Week 7: Bye

Bye Week 8: Minnesota Vikings

Week 9: @Cleveland Browns

Week 10: Atlanta Falcons

Week 11: @Washington

Week 12: @Chicago Bears

@Chicago Bears Week 13: Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals Week 14: @Detroit Lions

@Detroit Lions Week 15: @Carolina Panthers

@Carolina Panthers Week 16: Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers Week 17: New Orleans Saints How That Record Improves: The team has been overhauled from a free-agency perspective in three straight big-spending offseasons, and now it has revamped the coaching staff as well. The talent is there (it was last season too), but the big question will be how quickly the Bucs can get things to mesh. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: Josh McCown was brought in to be the starter at quarterback, but there's a capable young backup in Mike Glennon waiting in the wings. That said, lacking at the QB position while still winning a bunch of games because of other talent is a recipe for long-term mediocrity. Bottom Line: There's little question that the Buccaneers are heading up the food chain in the NFL, but the NFC South is a rough division, and the rest of their schedule isn't doing them a lot of favors. Baby steps. Projected Finish in Division: Third

Arizona Cardinals 29 of 32 Rick Scuteri Projected Record: 6-10 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: San Diego Chargers

San Diego Chargers Week 2: @New York Giants

@New York Giants Week 3: San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers Week 4: Bye

Bye Week 5: @Denver Broncos

@Denver Broncos Week 6: Washington

Week 7: @Oakland Raiders

Week 8: Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles Week 9: @Dallas Cowboys

@Dallas Cowboys Week 10: St. Louis Rams

Week 11: Detroit Lions

Week 12: @Seattle Seahawks

@Seattle Seahawks Week 13: @Atlanta Falcons

@Atlanta Falcons Week 14: Kansas City Chiefs

Week 15: @St. Louis Rams

@St. Louis Rams Week 16: Seattle Seahawks

Week 17: @San Francisco 49ers How That Record Improves: There's potential greatness in the passing game if the offensive line coalesces. Carson Palmer isn't quite Drew Bledsoe, but he's trending that way. If he can stay upright and fire long passes down the field, this team could hum toward nine or 10 wins. A whole lot would need to go right, though. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: The NFC West isn't getting any easier, so while it's simple to say the Cardinals have gotten better, so has just about everyone on their schedule. A step back defensively—what they hang their hat on—and a misstep offensively could put this team right back into the top 10 of the draft order. Bottom Line: This team largely is going to go as Palmer goes. The defense will bail him out of a few games, yes, but the Cards will need a near-superhuman effort for him to be much better than .500 in the best division in football. Projected Finish in Division: Fourth

St. Louis Rams 30 of 32 L.G. Patterson Projected Record: 7-9 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: Minnesota Vikings

Week 2: @Tampa Bay Buccaneers

@Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 3: Dallas Cowboys

Week 4: Bye

Bye Week 5: @Philadelphia Eagles

@Philadelphia Eagles Week 6: San Francisco 49ers

Week 7: Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks Week 8: @Kansas City Chiefs

@Kansas City Chiefs Week 9: @San Francisco 49ers

@San Francisco 49ers Week 10: @Arizona Cardinals

@Arizona Cardinals Week 11: Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos Week 12: @San Diego Chargers

Week 13: Oakland Raiders

Oakland Raiders Week 14: @Washington

Week 15: Arizona Cardinals

Week 16: New York Giants

Week 17: @Seattle Seahawks How That Record Improves: A defense that is driven by a fantastic defensive line has given the likes of Seattle and San Francisco everything they could handle in recent years. It's not absurd to think this team could catch lightning in a bottle with a few well-placed turnovers. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: Not to repeat much of what I said about Arizona, but the defense is a bit of a known commodity in St. Louis. It's the offense (read: quarterback Sam Bradford) that is the unknown variable. By all reports, the Rams aren't looking for QB help at the top of the draft, so he'll get to prove he's the guy. If he falters or gets injured again, the Rams will be drafting high for reasons other than traded picks. Bottom Line: Put this team in the AFC, and it's a bona fide playoff team. Since we can't do that, Rams fans will have to hope for a few lucky ball bounces and trust in the coaching staff to have this group as prepared as humanly possible every single week. Projected Finish in Division: Third

San Francisco 49ers 31 of 32 Marcio Jose Sanchez Projected Record: 12-4 Schedule (Wins are in bold)

Week 1: @Dallas Cowboys

Week 2: Chicago Bears

Week 3: @Arizona Cardinals

Week 4: Philadelphia Eagles

Week 5: Kansas City Chiefs

Week 6: @St. Louis Rams

@St. Louis Rams Week 7: @Denver Broncos

@Denver Broncos Week 8: Bye

Bye Week 9: St. Louis Rams

Week 10: @New Orleans Saints

@New Orleans Saints Week 11: @New York Giants

Week 12: Washington

Week 13: Seattle Seahawks

Week 14: @Oakland Raiders

Week 15: @Seattle Seahawks

@Seattle Seahawks Week 16: San Diego Chargers

Week 17: Arizona Cardinals How That Record Improves: The 49ers have more draft picks than any other team, and a few well-placed additions (or trading up for one elite player) could have a monumental impact on the rest of the league. The 49ers already have a deep team with a ton of talent. It's scary to think they could get even better. How Things Hit Rock Bottom: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick isn't as sure a thing as his press clippings might suggest. Sure, he didn't have his favorite receiver for most of last season, but he needs to take a big leap forward if the 49ers are going to be legitimate perennial contenders. Bottom Line: San Francisco plays a lot of marquee games next season, but this record is just winning what it should at home and playing decently on the road. If the 49ers can find a way to win at New Orleans or Denver, Seattle may be looking up at its rivals to the south. Projected Finish in Division: Second