Updated 2012 Team Win-Loss Record Predictions for NFL Week 14

We have entered the final quarter of the NFL season, though it might seem like we kicked Week 1 off yesterday. 

Recent events have turned fortunes for some teams, as some are on their way up, like the Redskins, while others, like the Saints, look all but finished.

What will the rest of the season hold for the NFL? Who will make the playoffs? While we know who has already made it, there is still plenty to be decided. 

Arizona Cardinals

Current Record: 4-8

My, how fortunes have changed in the desert.

The Cardinals were flying high after a 4-0 start, buoyed by a stout defense and unencumbered by an adequate offense. That is no longer the case.

Injuries have mounted, leaving Ryan Lindley as the last quarterback standing, and the defense has faltered. Nine straight losses later, it is comical that anyone—yours truly included—bought into them as contenders.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

@ Seattle (L)
vs. Detroit (W)
vs. Chicago (L)
@ San Francisco (L) 

Predicted Finish: 5-11

Atlanta Falcons

Current Record: 11-1

The Falcons are flying high right now, and it's not just because of their prolific offense.

Their record might be a bit of a mirage considering their strength of schedule is in the bottom third of the league—their opponents' winning percentage is .488. Considering the team has had its share of close calls, it might seem like Atlanta is not as good as its record would indicate.

Atlanta ranks seventh in scoring offense and fifth in scoring defense, though—perhaps the best indicators that the Falcons are not pretenders.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

@ Carolina (W)
vs. New York Giants (W)
@ Detroit (L)
vs. Tampa Bay (W) 

Predicted Finish: 14-2

Baltimore Ravens

Current Record: 9-3

The Ravens had luck on their side in recent weeks until they ran into their nemesis Pittsburgh last week. 

Charlie Batch, the 37-year-old third-string quarterback of Steelers legend, led his team to an improbable comeback victory, and the Ravens let him do it.

Baltimore does rank eighth in scoring defense but 25th in total defense thanks to an uncharacteristically porous run defense. Joe Flacco has not taken his talents to the next level either, which is problematic when the defense is not quite its stout self.

It looks like Ray Lewis is on his way back, though, and the Ravens are a battle-tested team.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

@ Washington (L)
vs. Denver (L)
vs. New York Giants (W)
@ Cincinnati (W) 

Predicted Finish: 11-5

Buffalo Bills

Current Record: 5-7

Buffalo finds itself clawing its way out of the AFC East cellar thanks to a down season for the Jets and another mediocre one from the Dolphins.

The Bills will get a chance to exact revenge on a Jets team that is a shell of what it was on Week 1, perhaps sending them to the depths of the AFC East in the process.

Three of their four remaining games are at home—one of those being in Toronto—which helps them on their quest for .500.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

vs. St. Louis (W)
vs. Seattle (L)
@ Miami (L)
vs. New York Jets (W) 

Predicted Finish: 7-9

Carolina Panthers

Current Record: 3-9

It has been a groundhog season for the Panthers, who once again find themselves in the NFC South cellar. Losing to Kansas City on the road was just the latest in a rather miserable season.

Cam Newton has been mired in a sophomore slump—though he has improved in recent weeks—and the defense has simply not improved from a season ago. 

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

vs. Atlanta (L)
@ San Diego (W)
vs. Oakland (W)
@ New Orleans (L) 

Predicted Finish: 5-11

Chicago Bears

Current Record: 8-4

Chicago had a golden opportunity to seize control of the NFC North last week against Seattle.

The Bears led for much of the game, but that defense did something it has not done much of this season against Russell Wilson: wilt. The Bears snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in overtime against the Seahawks, pulling them into a tie with the Packers with four left to go.

Even so, this is a team that controls its own destiny.

Outside of a home matchup against the Packers, who haven't exactly been lighting teams up lately, the Bears have quite the favorable schedule down the stretch. The Bears play the Cardinals, Vikings and Lions—not easy outs, but they are no juggernauts either.

If they win out, they win the NFC North. 

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

@ Minnesota (W)
vs. Green Bay (L)
@ Arizona (W)
@ Detroit (W)

Predicted Finish: 11-5

Cincinnati Bengals

Current Record: 7-5

One surging team nobody is talking about wears stripes, and it is hunting for a playoff spot.

The Bengals quietly rank in the top eight in total defense after a horrendous start to the season, and their offense has gotten going in recent weeks.

They will have a tough road aside from, perhaps, their game against Philadelphia. They will have to get by the Steelers and Ravens if they want to make the playoffs.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

vs. Dallas (W)
@ Philadelphia (W)
@ Pittsburgh (L)
vs. Baltimore (L) 

Predicted Finish: 9-7

Cleveland Browns

Current Record: 4-8

Jimmy Haslam has a good thing going for him already. After all, his team is 3-2 since he bought it.

The Browns are not exactly juggernauts, but they sport a quietly good defense and an offense that can move the ball with Trent Richardson in the backfield. Unfortunately, they face the Redskins, Broncos and Steelers to close out the season after this week's matchup against the Chiefs.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

vs. Kansas City (W)
vs. Washington (L)
@ Denver (L)
@ Pittsburgh (L) 

Predicted Finish: 5-11

Dallas Cowboys

Current Record: 6-6

For all the flak they have gotten, the Cowboys certainly do not seem like a team that is one game back of the NFC East leaders.

In what is shaping up to be a photo finish, the Cowboys are reeling in the Giants while keeping pace with the Redskins. The road will not be easy against the Bengals, Steelers, Saints and aforementioned Redskins, but they can make it to the playoffs if they win with some help.

It's that winning part they just have not been able to get done consistently. Their remaining schedule is no picnic either.

More importantly, recent success might be a bit of a mirage.

The Cowboys might have clawed their way back to .500, going 3-1 in their past four games, but those victories came against the increasingly hapless Eagles twice and a Browns team that very nearly beat them at Cowboys Stadium. 

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

@ Cincinnati (L)
vs. Pittsburgh (W)
vs. New Orleans (L)
@ Washington (L) 

Predicted Finish: 7-9

Denver Broncos

Current Record: 9-3

The Broncos got off to a tough start, losing to the Falcons, Texans and Patriots at the beginning of the season en route to a 2-3 record. They haven't lost since.

Denver is among the league leaders in many offensive and defensive categories—as complete a team as there is in the NFL today. With Peyton Manning on a collision course with another MVP award, it seems like the Broncos—who have already locked up the AFC West—are ready to challenge the perennial powers in the AFC.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

@ Oakland (W—Broncos defeated the Raiders 26-13 on Thursday Night Football.)
@ Baltimore (W)
vs. Cleveland (W)
vs. Kansas City (W) 

Predicted Finish: 13-3

Detroit Lions

Current Record: 4-8

It has been a lost season in Detroit, just one year after the young team made the playoffs and promised more.

Titus Young Sr. has been banished from the team, placed on IR with an injured ego. Ndamukong Suh has continued his on-field antics, which have him flirting with a suspension. The offense has simply not been able to keep up like it did last year.

The Lions get to play playoff-hungry Green Bay, Chicago and vaunted Atlanta as part of their run to the finish.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

@ Green Bay (L)
vs. Atlanta (W)
@ Arizona (L)
vs. Chicago (L) 

Predicted Finish: 5-11

Green Bay Packers

Current Record: 8-4

The NFC North will be on the line when the Packers travel to Soldier Field for their second matchup with the Bears. They dominated the first game, but that was at home.

Much like the Bears, the Packers control their own destiny with three relatively nice matchups outside the big divisional game. The Lions and Vikings won't go quietly into the night, but they are winnable games, as is the one against the Titans.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

vs. Detroit (W)
@ Chicago (W)
vs. Tennessee (W)
@ Minnesota (W) 

Predicted Finish: 12-4

Houston Texans

Current Record: 11-1

Houston got off to a hot start and kept the momentum despite injuries to key players on defense. The patchwork unit has given up plenty of points in recent weeks—outside the Titans game, anyway—but the offense has been able to keep pace.

The Texans might have their hands full on defense going up against the Patriots and the upstart Colts twice in the next four weeks. If they can keep that offense humming, they very well could sweep their way into the playoffs.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

@ New England (L)
vs. Indianapolis (W)
vs. Minnesota (W)
@ Indianapolis (L) 

Predicted Finish: 13-3

Indianapolis Colts

Current Record: 8-4

Speaking of those upstarts, before the season, who would have thought the Colts would be in this position heading into Week 13? 

Indianapolis controls its own destiny for a playoff spot, and it has some margin for error heading into the final four weeks. Houston looms twice, though, and anything can happen in the NFL.

It is feasible to think the Colts will wind up with an 11-5 record if they can steal one from the Texans. Even if they get swept, the Titans and Chiefs are not quite as formidable.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

vs. Tennessee (W)
@ Houston (L)
@ Kansas City (W)
vs. Houston (W) 

Predicted Finish: 11-5

Jacksonville Jaguars

Current Record: 2-10

The Chad Henne bandwagon was found in a ditch last week, as the Jaguars went back to their woeful ways against the Bills.

Jacksonville actually has a nice schedule the rest of the way outside a matchup against New England. If the Jags play their cards right, they will win their way out of the No. 1 overall draft pick.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

vs. New York Jets (W)
@ Miami (L)
vs. New England (L)
@ Tennessee (L) 

Predicted Finish: 3-13

Kansas City Chiefs

Current Record: 2-10

The Chiefs put on a brave performance against the Panthers at home last week, just a day after the tragic events surrounding the team.

Before that, though, they were not very good, and the threat of an emotional letdown after last week could put them in another tailspin. Their schedule doesn't help.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

@ Cleveland (L)
@ Oakland (L)
vs. Indianapolis (L)
@ Denver (L) 

Predicted Finish: 2-14

Miami Dolphins

Current Record: 5-7

What should we make of this team?

On the one hand, this is a club that beat a Seahawks team that is currently in playoff position and just beat a good Bears team on the road. Vince Wilfork said the Dolphins were better than their record, and Miami has had some good games.

On the other hand, Miami has not looked much different than the same mediocre team we have seen for a decade.

They get Jacksonville and Buffalo at home, sandwiched between scary road matchups at San Francisco and New England.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

@ San Francisco (L)
vs. Jacksonville (W)
vs. Buffalo (W)
@ New England (L) 

Predicted Finish: 7-9

Minnesota Vikings

Current Record: 6-6

The Vikings got off to a hot start, including an improbable victory against the mighty 49ers. Then they ran into the rest of the NFC North.

Adrian Peterson's MVP candidacy is more than just his superhuman return from a devastating knee injury. At this point, Peterson is the offense, and he is still running over opposing defenses that know it.

It has not been enough for the Vikings, though, and they still have to finish that run through the gauntlet.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

vs. Chicago (L)
@ St. Louis (W)
@ Houston (L)
vs. Green Bay (L) 

Predicted Finish: 7-9

New England Patriots

Current Record: 9-3

The Patriots looked like they were in trouble at the beginning of the season. Close losses to Arizona and Seattle in games they would have won in seasons past threw up the red flag. Was the magic waning?

Evidently not, as the Patriots are near the pace they set in 2007, when Tom Brady and Randy Moss were breaking records.

An improving defense has them looking strong heading down the home stretch.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

vs. Houston (W)
vs. San Francisco (L)
@ Jacksonville (W)
vs. Miami (W) 

Predicted Finish: 12-4

New Orleans Saints

Current Record: 5-7

It is a case of too little, too late for the Saints, whose 0-4 start has ultimately doomed their season. The bounty scandal left the team shell-shocked long enough to poison their start, and Sean Payton's absence is clearly being felt.

But, hey, it could be worse: The NFL could be re-naming them the Pelicans.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

@ New York Giants (L)
vs. Tampa Bay (W)
@ Dallas (W)
vs. Carolina (W) 

Predicted Finish: 8-8

New York Giants

Current Record: 7-5

Stop me if you've heard this one before: New York Giants barely win the NFC East, go on to win the Super Bowl.

It seems like the NFC East will come down to the wire again this season after the Giants let one slip away against the Redskins. They will have to fight their way to the NFC East crown. Do you doubt they can do it again?

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

vs. New Orleans (W)
@ Atlanta (L)
@ Baltimore (L)
vs. Philadelphia (W) 

Predicted Finish: 9-7

New York Jets

Current Record: 5-7

About the only thing the Jets have going for them right now is a favorable schedule.

Mark Sanchez was finally benched in this miserable season, only it wasn't Tim Tebow stepping in to fill the void. Greg McElroy of Alabama fame came in for Sanchez and delivered a thrilling—and by that I mean yawn-inducing—7-6 victory at home against the Cardinals.

The Jets get the Jaguars, Titans, Chargers and Bills to close out the season; one of the easiest remaining schedules in the league, even though three of those games are on the road. Can they climb into the playoff race?

Probably not.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

@ Jacksonville (L)
@ Tennessee (L)
vs. San Diego (W)
@ Buffalo (L) 

Predicted Finish: 6-10

Oakland Raiders

Current Record: 3-9

The long-term reclamation project is in full force in Oakland. 

Reggie McKenzie cleaned house during the offseason, and he has kept it up as the season has worn on. It is going to take a while before the Raiders can escape cap hell and rebuild that franchise; there is little reason to think they will win many more this season.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

vs. Denver (L—Broncos toppled the Raiders 26-13 on Thursday Night Football)
vs. Kansas City (W)
@ Carolina (L)
@ San Diego (L) 

Predicted Finish: 4-12

Philadelphia Eagles

Current Record: 3-9

The end of the Andy Reid era is nigh in Philadelphia. The Dream Team is long gone.

Philadelphia has lost more consecutive games than it has in three decades, and there is no end to the fall in sight. Rookie Nick Foles has taken the reins permanently this season, presumably so the Eagles can get him a proper audition.

That defense seems to be putting forth less effort every week. It is going to be a dark Christmas in Philly this year.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

@ Tampa Bay (L)
vs. Cincinnati (L)
vs. Washington (L)
@ New York Giants (L) 

Predicted Finish: 3-13

Pittsburgh Steelers

Current Record: 7-5

It was a great victory for Charlie Batch and the Steelers against the Ravens last week in a game they were supposed to lose.

That win might have been the catalyst for yet another playoff run for Pittsburgh, which looked doomed after a serious injury to Ben Roethlisberger as it floundered in the middle of the pack.

But with Big Ben returning in Week 14, they just might have a shot.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

vs. San Diego (W)
@ Dallas (L)
vs. Cincinnati (W)
vs. Cleveland (W) 

Predicted Finish: 10-6

San Diego Chargers

Current Record: 4-8

It is never a good thing when your head coach makes the Urban Dictionary for the wrong reasons.

If this seems like déjà vu all over again for the Chargers, you might want to look at the top of the chain in San Diego. A.J. Smith and Norv Turner have been piloting this team into the ground, and the Chargers should have bolted to new leadership last year.

Alas, they got one more season of this mess.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

@ Pittsburgh (L)
vs. Carolina (L)
@ New York Jets (L)
vs. Oakland (W) 

Predicted Finish: 5-11

San Francisco 49ers

Current Record: 8-3-1

Now that it's gotten the kryptonite out of its system—that would be the St. Louis Rams, who are undefeated against the 49ers this season—San Francisco can tend to finishing off the NFC West and perhaps garner a first-round bye.

It will not be easy.

After Miami, which is no pushover, San Francisco faces New England and Seattle before capping the season with an Arizona team that is surely not going to roll over for its division rival. 

The 49ers are in a bit of a danger zone with their quarterback situation—should Colin Kaepernick screw the pooch this week, they might be forced to bring a potentially compromised Alex Smith back.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

vs. Miami (W)
@ New England (W)
@ Seattle (L)
vs. Arizona (W) 

Predicted Finish: 11-4-1

Seattle Seahawks

Current Record: 7-5

The Bears had the Seahawks dead to rights last Sunday but could not hold them off. That is thanks, in large part, to Russell Wilson's repeated heroics.

The third-round rookie is playing like a third-overall pick, keeping the Seahawks in contention when things seem to be falling apart on defense.

Seattle controls its own destiny for a playoff spot and could catch San Francisco if the cards fall in the right places. They do have to play NFC West killers to close out the season against St. Louis, though they might have clinched a playoff spot by then.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

vs. Arizona (W)
@ Buffalo (W)
vs. San Francisco (W)
vs. St. Louis (L) 

Predicted Finish: 10-6

St. Louis Rams

Current Record: 5-6-1

If only the Rams could play the 49ers every week. Or any one of the NFC West teams, against which they are 4-0-1 this season.

The Rams have shown flashes of future potential in their first year under Jeff Fisher, though, something that could not have been said in recent years.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

@ Buffalo (L)
vs. Minnesota (L)
@ Tampa Bay (L)
@ Seattle (W) 

Predicted Finish: 6-9-1

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Current Record: 6-6

Do the Bucs stop here?

Tampa Bay was a serious Cinderella candidate, but consecutive losses to Atlanta and Denver pushed the clock close to midnight on its season.

The good news for the Buccaneers is a soft schedule to end the year. The Eagles and Rams are attainable victories. If they can get past the Saints—to whom they lost earlier this season—on the road, the Buccaneers could be playing for a playoff spot in the regular season finale against a Falcons team that might be resting its starters.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

vs. Philadelphia (W)
@ New Orleans (L)
vs. St. Louis (W)
@ Atlanta (L) 

Predicted Finish: 8-8

Tennessee Titans

Current Record: 4-8

This has been an enigmatic Titans team. They have beaten the likes of the Steelers but lost to the Jaguars.

There is some turmoil in Tennessee, as Chris Palmer was recently fired as the offensive coordinator. Usually the assistants precede their bosses to the exit, so it will be interesting to see if Mike Munchak survives the offseason.

Tennessee does have a good schedule over its next four games, so it is feasible the season ends on a good note. But, the way the Titans have been playing, it is more likely they get blown out three times.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

@ Indianapolis (L)
vs. New York Jets (W)
@ Green Bay (L)
vs. Jacksonville (L) 

Predicted Finish: 5-11

Washington Redskins

Current Record: 6-6

How crushing does that home loss to the woeful Panthers feel to the Redskins right now? Instead of being tied for first place in their division and controlling their own destiny, they will need some help to get to the playoffs.

A sure-to-be-angry Baltimore team comes to town next before Washington takes a road trip to Cleveland and Philadelphia. If they can keep winning, they might be playing Dallas for the NFC East or a wild-card spot in Week 17.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

vs. Baltimore (W)
@ Cleveland (W)
@ Philadelphia (W)
vs. Dallas (W) 

Predicted Finish: 10-6

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