2016 NFL Predictions

Having gone through my full Bears prediction for the season, here's a look at my expectations for individual team records and the postseason.

NFC West
Seattle Seahawks (12-4) - too much talent not to win
Arizona Cardinals (11-5) - ditto
Los Angeles Rams (6-10) - QB will scuttle them again
San Francisco 49ers (3-13) - very little talent, period

NFC South
Carolina Panthers (12-4) - primed for another conference title
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8) - easy schedule + Jameis improvement
Atlanta Falcons (7-9) - mediocrity abounds
New Orleans Saints (6-10) - cap woes finally muzzle them

NFC East
Dallas Cowboys (9-7) - a bit of underachievement but roster is talented enough to overcome
Washington Redskins (7-9) - mediocre
New York Giants (7-9) - also mediocre
Philadelphia Eagles (5-11) - in transition

NFC North
Green Bay Packers (14-2) - they're due for a huge year (also due for 6-10, but that won't happen)
Minnesota Vikings (11-5) - an incredibly deep roster + good coaching
Chicago Bears (7-9) - stuck in the middle but at least there's some young talent; floor is high on D
Detroit Lions (4-12) - on the way down in a big way

AFC West
Oakland Raiders (10-6) - my big surprise pick: serious high-end talent here
Kansas City Chiefs (8-8) - solid team with low ceiling
Denver Broncos (8-8) - all defense/no offense only works so well
San Diego Chargers (4-12) - they'll be a mess

AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars (10-6) - some adopted homerism but Jackson+Fowler+Ramsey+Jack on D
Houston Texans (10-6) - I love Bill O'Brien and see plenty of wins with adequate QB play
Indianapolis Colts (9-7) - still far too much pressure on Luck to carry load
Tennessee Titans (6-10) - Mariota improves them some but not enough

AFC East
New England Patriots (11-5) - more of a struggle than normal as Tom gets old
Buffalo Bills (8-8) - some continued improvement, though I'm skeptical of Tyrod
Miami Dolphins (8-8) - a step forward in Y1 for Gase
New York Jets (5-11) - no more FitzMagic

AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) - should be an easier year than usual for them
Baltimore Ravens (9-7) - somebody sneaks in with a so-so year
Cincinnati Bengals (7-9) - due for a dud even with Marvin's steadiness
Cleveland Browns (2-14) - get ready to raise that banner, Cavs fans!

NFC Playoff Tree
#5 Minnesota over #4 Dallas
#3 Carolina over #6 Arizona

#1 Green Bay over #5 Minnesota
#2 Seattle over #3 Carolina

#1 Green Bay over #2 Seattle

AFC Playoff Tree
#5 Houston over #4 Oakland
#3 Jacksonville over #6 Baltimore

#1 Pittsburgh over #5 Houston
#2 New England over #3 Jacksonville

#2 New England over #1 Pittsburgh

Super Bowl
#1 Green Bay over #2 New England