The NFL Draft takes place in a little less than two weeks. The league unveiled the 2014 regular season schedule earlier this week. The last couple years I’ve toyed with the schedule and trying to predict records. I’m usually way off. This year, I’m sharing those predictions with you, the readers at home.
What follows is a series of win-loss total predictions for each team, broken down by Conference and Division. Note, please, that these predictions are Pre-Draft, meaning that some things could potentially change. Note, also, that I’m lazy and probably won’t go back and change these predictions even after the Draft.
I could take the easy way and just predict the favorites to win massively, but if you’ve ever read my college predictions, you know that’s not my style. I’ll go out on a limb if there’s a limb to go out upon.
American Conference (in predicted order of finish)
AFC East
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| Tom Brady and his arch-nemesis, Peyton Manning |
New England Patriots
Predicted Record: 12-4 (#3 Seed in the AFC)
I’m predicting the Patriots to open with a road loss to Miami, but to then go 12-3 the rest of the way. The Pats will strike a solid balance, going 6-2 on the road and 6-2 at home.
Losses: @Miami, @Kansas City, New York Jets, Buffalo
Predicted Record: 12-4 (#3 Seed in the AFC)
I’m predicting the Patriots to open with a road loss to Miami, but to then go 12-3 the rest of the way. The Pats will strike a solid balance, going 6-2 on the road and 6-2 at home.
Losses: @Miami, @Kansas City, New York Jets, Buffalo
Miami Dolphins
Predicted Record: 8-8
The Dolphins biggest bright spot will be that Week One victory over New England. After that, the team plays sub-.500 football the rest of the way.
Losses: @ Buffalo, Kansas City, @Oakland, Green Bay, @ Denver, Baltimore, @ New England, Minnesota
Predicted Record: 8-8
The Dolphins biggest bright spot will be that Week One victory over New England. After that, the team plays sub-.500 football the rest of the way.
Losses: @ Buffalo, Kansas City, @Oakland, Green Bay, @ Denver, Baltimore, @ New England, Minnesota
Buffalo Bills
Predicted Record: 7-9
I’m thinking this will be a tale of two seasons for the Bills, as they go 2-6 in the first 8 games, then 5-3 over the last 8. Their key victory will be in Week 17, as they knock off a New England team that is resting many of their starters.
Losses: @Chicago, @Houston, @Detroit, New England, Minnesota, @New York Jets, @ Miami, @Denver, Green Bay
Predicted Record: 7-9
I’m thinking this will be a tale of two seasons for the Bills, as they go 2-6 in the first 8 games, then 5-3 over the last 8. Their key victory will be in Week 17, as they knock off a New England team that is resting many of their starters.
Losses: @Chicago, @Houston, @Detroit, New England, Minnesota, @New York Jets, @ Miami, @Denver, Green Bay
New York Jets
Predicted Record: 6-10
The Jets, under my prediction, will be 5-5 headed into their Bye Week, and then the wheels come off as they go 1-5 over their final six games.
Losses: @Green Bay, Chicago, @San Diego, Denver, @Kansas City, @Buffalo, Miami, @Minnesota, New England, @Miami
Predicted Record: 6-10
The Jets, under my prediction, will be 5-5 headed into their Bye Week, and then the wheels come off as they go 1-5 over their final six games.
Losses: @Green Bay, Chicago, @San Diego, Denver, @Kansas City, @Buffalo, Miami, @Minnesota, New England, @Miami
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Predicted Record: 11-5 (#4 Seed in the AFC)
The Ravens once again rule the AFC North. They’ll split the nastiest rivalry in football with the Steelers, but then suffer one of the more shocking losses of the year in Week 16 against Houston. Still, the Ravens will be nearly perfect at home.
Losses: @Indianapolis, @Cincinnati, @Pittsburgh, @ New Orleans, @Houston
Predicted Record: 11-5 (#4 Seed in the AFC)
The Ravens once again rule the AFC North. They’ll split the nastiest rivalry in football with the Steelers, but then suffer one of the more shocking losses of the year in Week 16 against Houston. Still, the Ravens will be nearly perfect at home.
Losses: @Indianapolis, @Cincinnati, @Pittsburgh, @ New Orleans, @Houston
Pittsburgh Steelers
Predicted Record: 8-8 (#6 Seed in the AFC – Wild Card)
That’s right, 8-8 is good enough for the last Wild Card slot in the AFC. Pittsburgh will be looking to return to prominence, and a good draft will help them on that path.
Losses: @Baltimore, @Carolina, @Cleveland, Indianapolis, @New York Jets, New Orleans, @Atlanta, Kansas City
Predicted Record: 8-8 (#6 Seed in the AFC – Wild Card)
That’s right, 8-8 is good enough for the last Wild Card slot in the AFC. Pittsburgh will be looking to return to prominence, and a good draft will help them on that path.
Losses: @Baltimore, @Carolina, @Cleveland, Indianapolis, @New York Jets, New Orleans, @Atlanta, Kansas City
Cincinnati Bengals:
Predicted Record: 7-9
The Bengals falter and miss the playoffs, which will hang even more pressure on Andy Dalton and the offense. Cincinnati will carry a 7-5 record into Week 14, at which point they’ll reel off 4 consecutive losses to end the season.
Losses: @Baltimore, @New England, Carolina, @Indianapolis, @New Orleans, Pittsburgh, @Cleveland, Denver, @Pittsburgh
Predicted Record: 7-9
The Bengals falter and miss the playoffs, which will hang even more pressure on Andy Dalton and the offense. Cincinnati will carry a 7-5 record into Week 14, at which point they’ll reel off 4 consecutive losses to end the season.
Losses: @Baltimore, @New England, Carolina, @Indianapolis, @New Orleans, Pittsburgh, @Cleveland, Denver, @Pittsburgh
Cleveland BrownsPredicted Record: 4-12
Poor Cleveland. You are truly a factory of sadness.
Losses: @Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Baltimore, @Tennessee, @Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, @Cincinnati, @Atlanta, @Buffalo, Indianapolis, @Carolina, @Baltimore
Poor Cleveland. You are truly a factory of sadness.
Losses: @Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Baltimore, @Tennessee, @Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, @Cincinnati, @Atlanta, @Buffalo, Indianapolis, @Carolina, @Baltimore
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts
Predicted Record: 13-3 (#1 Seed in the AFC)
If things come together the way I think they can in Indianapolis, the Colts are in for a big year. QB Andrew Luck is the driving force of an offense that should be more than adequate. Week One in Denver will tell a big portion of the story.
Losses: Philadelphia, New England, Washington
Predicted Record: 13-3 (#1 Seed in the AFC)
If things come together the way I think they can in Indianapolis, the Colts are in for a big year. QB Andrew Luck is the driving force of an offense that should be more than adequate. Week One in Denver will tell a big portion of the story.
Losses: Philadelphia, New England, Washington
Houston Texans
Predicted Record: 5-11
This season qualifies as a bounce-back year for Houston after a humiliating 2013 campaign. A new head coach, likely a new Quarterback…things are looking up in Houston. The heart of the season won’t be that great, but leaving on a two-game win streak helps.
Losses: Washington, @New York Giants, @Dallas, Indianapolis, @Pittsburgh, @Tennessee, Philadelphia, @ Cleveland, Cincinnati, @Jacksonville, @Indianapolis
Predicted Record: 5-11
This season qualifies as a bounce-back year for Houston after a humiliating 2013 campaign. A new head coach, likely a new Quarterback…things are looking up in Houston. The heart of the season won’t be that great, but leaving on a two-game win streak helps.
Losses: Washington, @New York Giants, @Dallas, Indianapolis, @Pittsburgh, @Tennessee, Philadelphia, @ Cleveland, Cincinnati, @Jacksonville, @Indianapolis
Tennessee Titans
Predicted Record: 5-11
Another rough year in Tennessee, as the Titans keep trying to gain traction in the division.
Losses: @Kansas City, Dallas, @Cincinnati, @Indianapolis, @Baltimore, Pittsburgh, @Houston, New York Giants, New York Jets, @Jacksonville, Indianapolis
Predicted Record: 5-11
Another rough year in Tennessee, as the Titans keep trying to gain traction in the division.
Losses: @Kansas City, Dallas, @Cincinnati, @Indianapolis, @Baltimore, Pittsburgh, @Houston, New York Giants, New York Jets, @Jacksonville, Indianapolis
Jacksonville Jaguars
Predicted Record: 3-13
We’re not exactly dealing with an improving situation in Jacksonville…now, should the Jags decide to take a QB, we may see some differences made. Until then, this team is a long way from playoff ready.
Losses: @Philadelphia, @Washington, Indianapolis, @San Diego, Pittsburgh, @Tennessee, Miami, @Cincinnati, Dallas, @Indianapolis, New York Giants, @Baltimore, @Houston
Predicted Record: 3-13
We’re not exactly dealing with an improving situation in Jacksonville…now, should the Jags decide to take a QB, we may see some differences made. Until then, this team is a long way from playoff ready.
Losses: @Philadelphia, @Washington, Indianapolis, @San Diego, Pittsburgh, @Tennessee, Miami, @Cincinnati, Dallas, @Indianapolis, New York Giants, @Baltimore, @Houston
AFC West
Denver Broncos
Predicted Record: 13-3 (#2 Seed in the AFC)
Denver matches Indianapolis in record, but that week one showdown makes the difference in seeding.
Losses: Indianapolis, @New England, @San Diego
Predicted Record: 13-3 (#2 Seed in the AFC)
Denver matches Indianapolis in record, but that week one showdown makes the difference in seeding.
Losses: Indianapolis, @New England, @San Diego
Kansas City Chiefs
Predicted Record: 8-8 (#5 Seed in the AFC – Wild Card)
Not the easiest of seasons for the Chiefs, and they basically back into a playoff spot, going 3-5 over their last eight.
Losses: @Denver, @San Diego, St. Louis, @Buffalo, Seattle, @Oakland, Denver, @Arizona
Predicted Record: 8-8 (#5 Seed in the AFC – Wild Card)
Not the easiest of seasons for the Chiefs, and they basically back into a playoff spot, going 3-5 over their last eight.
Losses: @Denver, @San Diego, St. Louis, @Buffalo, Seattle, @Oakland, Denver, @Arizona
San Diego Chargers
Predicted Record: 7-9
Ten years since being drafted by the Giants and traded to the Chargers, Phillip Rivers has yet to get the Bolts over the top. This season is no different. I’ve got the Bolts going 1-7 on the road and 6-2 at home. In all fairness, their home schedule is a lot easier than their road schedule.
Losses: Seattle, @Buffalo, @Oakland, @Denver, @Miami, @Baltimore, New England, @San Francisco, @Kansas City
Predicted Record: 7-9
Ten years since being drafted by the Giants and traded to the Chargers, Phillip Rivers has yet to get the Bolts over the top. This season is no different. I’ve got the Bolts going 1-7 on the road and 6-2 at home. In all fairness, their home schedule is a lot easier than their road schedule.
Losses: Seattle, @Buffalo, @Oakland, @Denver, @Miami, @Baltimore, New England, @San Francisco, @Kansas City
Oakland Raiders
Predicted Record: 3-13 (#1 Pick in the Draft)
While we don’t yet know who will be the top pick in next year’s draft, I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see Oakland making the call at #1. This franchise just cannot seem to put it together.
Losses: @New York Jets, Houston, @New England, Arizona, @Cleveland, @Seattle, Denver, @San Diego, @St. Louis, San Francisco, @Kansas City, Buffalo, @Denver
Predicted Record: 3-13 (#1 Pick in the Draft)
While we don’t yet know who will be the top pick in next year’s draft, I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see Oakland making the call at #1. This franchise just cannot seem to put it together.
Losses: @New York Jets, Houston, @New England, Arizona, @Cleveland, @Seattle, Denver, @San Diego, @St. Louis, San Francisco, @Kansas City, Buffalo, @Denver
National Conference (in predicted order of finish)
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles
Predicted Record: 9-7 (#4 Seed in the NFC)
Once again the NFC East looks to be an unholy scrum of teams vying for the top spot. Philadelphia will stagger away with the prize this year, all while barely going over .500.
Losses: Washington, @San Francisco, @Arizona, @Green Bay, Tennessee, Seattle, @New York Giants
Predicted Record: 9-7 (#4 Seed in the NFC)
Once again the NFC East looks to be an unholy scrum of teams vying for the top spot. Philadelphia will stagger away with the prize this year, all while barely going over .500.
Losses: Washington, @San Francisco, @Arizona, @Green Bay, Tennessee, Seattle, @New York Giants
New York Giants
Predicted Record: 8-8
The Giants reach the .500 mark, but go no further. Being 8-8 in the NFC is not good enough for a playoff spot. Eli will need some help if the Giants want to win the division.
Losses: Arizona, Atlanta, @Philadelphia, Indianapolis, @Seattle, San Francisco, Washington, @St. Louis
Predicted Record: 8-8
The Giants reach the .500 mark, but go no further. Being 8-8 in the NFC is not good enough for a playoff spot. Eli will need some help if the Giants want to win the division.
Losses: Arizona, Atlanta, @Philadelphia, Indianapolis, @Seattle, San Francisco, Washington, @St. Louis
Washington Redskins
Predicted Record: 8-8
This looks like the year in which no one cares what Washington’s record is, as it appears the tide has turned on the team’s nickname. Redskins, while the moniker of the team for many, many years, has fallen under intense scrutiny.
Losses: New York Giants, @Arizona, Tennessee, @Minnesota, @San Francisco, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Dallas, their team nickname
Predicted Record: 8-8
This looks like the year in which no one cares what Washington’s record is, as it appears the tide has turned on the team’s nickname. Redskins, while the moniker of the team for many, many years, has fallen under intense scrutiny.
Losses: New York Giants, @Arizona, Tennessee, @Minnesota, @San Francisco, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Dallas, their team nickname
Dallas Cowboys
Predicted Record: 6-10
Yet another failing year for “America’s Team.” Tony Romo and company just are not getting the job done. Frankly, though, the biggest problem with this team is the fact that the owner has final say in all football personnel decisions, a burden he doesn’t need to carry. In fact, that’s why God created General Managers.
Losses: San Francisco, New Orleans, @Seattle, New York Giants, Washington, Arizona, @New York Giants, Philadelphia, @Philadelphia, Indianapolis
Predicted Record: 6-10
Yet another failing year for “America’s Team.” Tony Romo and company just are not getting the job done. Frankly, though, the biggest problem with this team is the fact that the owner has final say in all football personnel decisions, a burden he doesn’t need to carry. In fact, that’s why God created General Managers.
Losses: San Francisco, New Orleans, @Seattle, New York Giants, Washington, Arizona, @New York Giants, Philadelphia, @Philadelphia, Indianapolis
NFC North
Green Bay PackersPredicted Record: 12-4 (#2 Seed in the NFC)
Aaron Rodgers will have the Packers ready for a deep run into the playoffs. Don’t fret over the 1-2 start, Pack fans. Your team goes 11-2 after the first three.
Losses: @Seattle, @Detroit, @Minnesota, New England
Aaron Rodgers will have the Packers ready for a deep run into the playoffs. Don’t fret over the 1-2 start, Pack fans. Your team goes 11-2 after the first three.
Losses: @Seattle, @Detroit, @Minnesota, New England
Minnesota Vikings
Predicted Record: 7-9
The old black and blue division is sure to beat each other up pretty badly during the season, leading to some not so pretty records. It’s enough for Minnesota to leap back up to second place in the division. The Vikes open the season 0-6 before going 7-3 the rest of the way. A new QB will take a few weeks to really adjust.
Losses: @St. Louis, New England, @New Orleans, Atlanta, @Green Bay, Detroit, @Chicago, Carolina, @Detroit
Predicted Record: 7-9
The old black and blue division is sure to beat each other up pretty badly during the season, leading to some not so pretty records. It’s enough for Minnesota to leap back up to second place in the division. The Vikes open the season 0-6 before going 7-3 the rest of the way. A new QB will take a few weeks to really adjust.
Losses: @St. Louis, New England, @New Orleans, Atlanta, @Green Bay, Detroit, @Chicago, Carolina, @Detroit
Chicago BearsPredicted Record: 7-9
Daaaaaaaaa’ Bears, da’ Bears, da’ Bears, da’ Bears. Hey, somebody’s gotta eat all those brats, right?
Losses: @San Francisco, Green Bay, Miami, @New England, @Green Bay, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Detroit, @Minnesota
Daaaaaaaaa’ Bears, da’ Bears, da’ Bears, da’ Bears. Hey, somebody’s gotta eat all those brats, right?
Losses: @San Francisco, Green Bay, Miami, @New England, @Green Bay, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Detroit, @Minnesota
Detroit LionsPredicted Record: 5-11
The Lions take another step backward, but depending on what they do in this upcoming draft, they could be primed for a big step forward next season.
Losses: New York Giants, @Carolina, @New York Jets, New Orleans, @Atlanta, Miami, @Arizona, @ New England, Chicago, Tampa Bay, @Green Bay
The Lions take another step backward, but depending on what they do in this upcoming draft, they could be primed for a big step forward next season.
Losses: New York Giants, @Carolina, @New York Jets, New Orleans, @Atlanta, Miami, @Arizona, @ New England, Chicago, Tampa Bay, @Green Bay
NFC South
New Orleans SaintsPredicted Record: 12-4 (#3 Seed in the NFC)
The Saints have learned how to be a good franchise and how to build a good team. Issues of cheating and bounties aside, these guys know how to play football.
Losses: Green Bay, @Carolina, @Chicago, Atlanta
The Saints have learned how to be a good franchise and how to build a good team. Issues of cheating and bounties aside, these guys know how to play football.
Losses: Green Bay, @Carolina, @Chicago, Atlanta
Atlanta Falcons
Predicted Record: 9-7 (#6 Seed in the NFC – Wild Card)
The Falcons have several holes for a team that came 10 yards shy of the Super Bowl just two seasons ago. This Draft could help, or it could land one of the more dominating defensive players to come into the league in a long while. Until then, the Dirty Birds sneak into the playoffs at just over .500.
Losses: New Orleans, @Cincinnati, Chicago, @Baltimore, @Tampa Bay, @Carolina, @Green Bay
Predicted Record: 9-7 (#6 Seed in the NFC – Wild Card)
The Falcons have several holes for a team that came 10 yards shy of the Super Bowl just two seasons ago. This Draft could help, or it could land one of the more dominating defensive players to come into the league in a long while. Until then, the Dirty Birds sneak into the playoffs at just over .500.
Losses: New Orleans, @Cincinnati, Chicago, @Baltimore, @Tampa Bay, @Carolina, @Green Bay
Carolina PanthersPredicted Record: 8-8
The Panthers step back a bit, having lost some of their offensive firepower. Their defense is good enough to keep them in games, but they’ll need to score more if they want to reach the playoffs. A 3-0 start will give Panthers fans false hope.
Losses: @Baltimore, Chicago, @Green Bay, Seattle, @Philadelphia, @New Orleans, Tampa Bay, @Atlanta
The Panthers step back a bit, having lost some of their offensive firepower. Their defense is good enough to keep them in games, but they’ll need to score more if they want to reach the playoffs. A 3-0 start will give Panthers fans false hope.
Losses: @Baltimore, Chicago, @Green Bay, Seattle, @Philadelphia, @New Orleans, Tampa Bay, @Atlanta
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Predicted Record: 6-10
Like Carolina, Tampa lost some offense that they’ll look to replace in the draft. They need a franchise QB, as well. Drafting a QB doesn’t usually mean instant success. This team faces a murderers row in weeks one through six. If they can come out of that stretch at 3-3 then great…I think 1-5 sounds more reasonable.
Losses: Carolina, @Atlanta, @Pittsburgh, @New Orleans, Baltimore, Minnesota, @Washington, Cincinnati, Green Bay, New Orleans
Predicted Record: 6-10
Like Carolina, Tampa lost some offense that they’ll look to replace in the draft. They need a franchise QB, as well. Drafting a QB doesn’t usually mean instant success. This team faces a murderers row in weeks one through six. If they can come out of that stretch at 3-3 then great…I think 1-5 sounds more reasonable.
Losses: Carolina, @Atlanta, @Pittsburgh, @New Orleans, Baltimore, Minnesota, @Washington, Cincinnati, Green Bay, New Orleans
NFC West
Seattle Seahawks
Predicted Record: 13-3 (#1 Seed in the NFC)
Seattle begins their Super Bowl title defense by going 2-2 to start the year. I think Denver sneaks out a win in Seattle in week three, then the ‘Hawks lose a tricky east coast trip to Washington in week five. They’ll go 11-1 after that, though.
Losses: Denver, @Washington, @San Francisco
Predicted Record: 13-3 (#1 Seed in the NFC)
Seattle begins their Super Bowl title defense by going 2-2 to start the year. I think Denver sneaks out a win in Seattle in week three, then the ‘Hawks lose a tricky east coast trip to Washington in week five. They’ll go 11-1 after that, though.
Losses: Denver, @Washington, @San Francisco
San Francisco 49ers
Predicted Record: 11-5 (#5 Seed in the NFC – Wild Card)
The Niners will want revenge on Seattle, but will have to settle for a season split and a wild card berth into the playoffs.
Losses: Kansas City, @Denver, @New Orleans, @Seattle, Arizona
Predicted Record: 11-5 (#5 Seed in the NFC – Wild Card)
The Niners will want revenge on Seattle, but will have to settle for a season split and a wild card berth into the playoffs.
Losses: Kansas City, @Denver, @New Orleans, @Seattle, Arizona
Arizona CardinalsPredicted Record: 9-7
Arizona is one of those teams that can sneak up on anyone. With the proper QB, the Cardinals can stretch the field and open up the run game. If their defense can hold them up in certain games, they could be a playoff team.
Losses: San Diego, San Francisco, @Denver, St. Louis, @Seattle, @Atlanta, Seattle
Arizona is one of those teams that can sneak up on anyone. With the proper QB, the Cardinals can stretch the field and open up the run game. If their defense can hold them up in certain games, they could be a playoff team.
Losses: San Diego, San Francisco, @Denver, St. Louis, @Seattle, @Atlanta, Seattle
St. Louis RamsPredicted Record: 6-10
The Rams have to determine soon if Sam Bradford just needs more weapons around him, or if he’s just not their QB going forward. Bradford may be about to get the best WR in the draft, barring the Rams trading down from #2. Still, not enough to scratch the outer edges of the playoffs.
Losses: @Tampa Bay, Dallas, @Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, @San Francisco, Denver, @San Diego, Arizona, @Seattle
The Rams have to determine soon if Sam Bradford just needs more weapons around him, or if he’s just not their QB going forward. Bradford may be about to get the best WR in the draft, barring the Rams trading down from #2. Still, not enough to scratch the outer edges of the playoffs.
Losses: @Tampa Bay, Dallas, @Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, @San Francisco, Denver, @San Diego, Arizona, @Seattle
Playoff Picture
AFC
#1 Seed – Indianapolis Colts
#2 Seed – Denver Broncos
#3 Seed – New England Patriots
#4 Seed – Baltimore Ravens
#5 Seed (WC) – Kansas City Chiefs
#6 Seed (WC) – Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC
#1 Seed – Seattle Seahawks
#2 Seed – Green Bay Packers
#3 Seed – New Orleans Saints
#4 Seed – Philadelphia Eagles
#5 Seed (WC) – San Francisco 49ers
#6 Seed (WC) – Atlanta Falcons
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