5 reasons they wont be in the playoffs, Minnesota (x2), Greenbay (x2) Detroit (x1). 5 losses right there, maybe 6. Pats and Rams, 2 more loses. That leaves the Cards, Phins, Hawks, Bucs, Jets, Bills, Giants and Niners, all as must win games to get to 9-7, but they lose any tie breaker to in division opponents because of their conference/head to head record.
That is well thought out.
Depends how good the Bears, Pack and Lions are this year.
If the Bears really take a leap in offense -- and with this new offensive staff: Nagy, Helfrich and Hiestand which has a good mix of cofidence, cutting edge design, coupled with deep experience. Add to that not only a wide array of proven, yet youthful, play-making talent, but also very solid depth. I think a quick and sustained leap has to currently be viewed as a certainty.
I see Greenbay in a decline this year. 7-9 last year. They replaced DC Capers (who I thought was effective) with Mike Pettine. Ditched OC Edgar Bennett for Joe Philbin. I see these as backward moves, though competent, these aren't fresh nor recently successful coaches.
Pack also lost WR Nelson; Mathews in decline; have aging stars with just a few young playmakers.They're still a solid team, but I see at least a split with Bears, if not Pack losing both.
Lions new HC Patricia, had that 20-yr-old allegation come up; and now is ruffling the players with running laps as punishment in camp. Patricia was 29th in Y/G last year (5th in P/G, weird and ominouis descrepency).
New DC Paul Pasqualoni (age 68), hasn't been DC since 2009, where he was ranked 15th in 08 and 32nd in 09. Surely it will be Patricia's scheme, but he revealled Pasqualoni will call defensive plays.
I just see a rough transition in Detriot. Cooter remains OC, but how much will Patricia poke in, how will it mesh? Cooter was 13th in total yards but last in the league in rushing.
I see a split at best, maybe Lions lose both.
I could see Vike's sweep; 2nd game is Week 12, they'll be full throtle.