Predicting Each NFL Team's Win-Loss Record for the 2011 Season

The following 32 slides will predict the win-loss record for each team in the National Football League for the 2011 season. 

Take into account that I am forced to make these predictions without the benefit of knowing the outcome of NFL free agency or any trades that will undoubtedly happen.

I will make a few predictions, however (such as Kevin Kolb heading to the Arizona Cardinals).

Arizona Cardinals, 5-11, 4th

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 2: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals catches a touchdown against the San Francisco 49er during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on January 2, 2011 in San Francisco, California.(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Future Hall of Fame wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has already stated his desire to have Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb play for the Cardinals next season. When the best player on your team speaks, you listen.

But the acquisition of Kolb won't be enough for the Cardinals next season, who will still finish in last place.

Atlanta Falcons, 10-6, 2nd

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons attempts to avoid the pass rush by the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Packers won 48-2

Head coach Mike Smith has quietly led the Falcons to three straight winning seasons, an impressive feat for a franchise that has never even experienced consecutive winning seasons.

Quarterback Matt Ryan will love new draft pick Julio Jones. If running back Michael Turner can turn in another productive season, the Falcons can remain one of the NFC's elite teams. 

Baltimore Ravens, 12-4, 1st

Larry French/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 24: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced before the game against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Bills 37-34. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Im

It's honestly incredible how Ray Lewis is still an elite linebacker at the age of 35. You have to wonder though how much longer he can remain productive. At this point, I give him two more years.

Flacco continues to mature and I expect him and Ray Rice to lead the Ravens past the Steelers for the AFC North division title. Winning the division isn't enough, though. They need to find a way to beat the Steelers in January. 

Buffalo Bills, 5-11, 3rd

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI - DECEMBER 19: Running Back C.J. Spiller #21 of the Buffalo Bills runs against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Miami, Florida.The Bills defeated the Dolphins 17-14. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

The Bills need to figure out whether Ryan Fitzpatrick is their quarterback of the future. Until they do so, they likely won't be able to finish with a winning season, let alone compete in the difficult AFC East.

They also need CJ Spiller to turn in a much better season than he did last year, when he carried just 74 times with no touchdowns. 

Carolina Panthers, 4-12, 4th

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Draft prospect Cam Newton looks on during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. Newton was selected #1 overall by the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

Drafting Cam Newton with the first overall pick won't help the Panthers win many games in 2011. They scored fewer than 200 points last year, worst in the National Football League.

They'll be better next year but with three above-average teams in their division, they have last place written all over them. 

Chicago Bears, 6-10, 3rd

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears reacts in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty I

Count me among the many critics who don't think the Bears were as good as their record indicated last season.

Quarterback Jay Cutler will have the critics all over him after failing to finish the NFC Championship Game last season, when he left with a leg injury.

Oh, and the new kickoff rules won't help All-World returner Devin Hester either. 

Cincinnati Bengals, 2-14, 4th

The Bengals will be a complete mess next season. Quarterback Carson Palmer will not be back and new draft pick Andy Dalton probably isn't ready to start yet.

Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson are both likely leaving as well.

The Bengals will be lucky to win four games next season. 

Cleveland Browns, 7-9, 3rd

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns looks for a receiver as he is chased by defensive end Ziggy Hood #96 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by M

Colt McCoy showed some promise in limited action last season and will expand on that potential in 2011.

Madden cover athlete Peyton Hillis will need to duplicate his solid campaign in 2010 for the Cleveland Browns to have any chance of competing with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North. 

Dallas Cowboys, 12-4, 1st

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys drops back to pass against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field on October 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Unfortunately I think the Cowboys will thrive under new head coach Jason Garrett, finishing 12-4 and erasing all memories of their brutal start to the 2010 season.

Tony Romo needs to prove that he can stay healthy and productive and lead a deep postseason run for Cowboys fans to embrace the veteran QB. 

Denver Broncos, 4-12, 4th

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos eludes a sack attempt by defensive end Antonio Smith #94 of the Houston Texas at INVESCO Field at Mile High on December 26, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Im

An aging Broncos defense, one that allowed an NFL-worst 471 points last season, won't be much better in 2011. 

That's too bad, because first-year starter Tim Tebow will turn in a solid season as the team's starting quarterback. 

Detroit Lions, 10-6, 2nd

J. Meric/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 19: Receiver Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions runs through the tackle of defensive back E.J. Biggers #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J

The Detroit Lions have to be pretty concerned about quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has really struggled to stay healthy since he was drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in 2009.

Thankfully I think everything will fall together in 2011, and Stafford (and Calvin Johnson) will lead the Lions to the postseason for the first time in over a decade. 

Green Bay Packers, 14-2, 1st

Matt Ludtke/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - FEBRUARY 08: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers addresses the fans at Lambeau Field during the Packers victory ceremony on February 8, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matt Ludtke/Getty Images)

The Super Bowl XLV champions will be just as dominant with so many starters returning from injury in 2011.

Aaron Rodgers will win the regular season Most Valuable Player award, Clay Matthews will continue to wreak havoc on opposing defenses, and the Packers will easily earn the top seed in the NFC. 

Houston Texans, 11-5, 2nd

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON - NOVEMBER 28: Wide receiver Andre Johnson #80 of the Houston Texans completes a catch in the back of the endzone for a score as he was defended by linebacker Tim Shaw #59 of the Tennessee Titans at Reliant Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Housto

Everything will click for the Houston Texans after several consecutive mediocre seasons.

They'll finish 11-5 and earn the final wild-card spot in the AFC, thanks to brilliant seasons by quarterback Matt Schaub and the game's best receiver, Andre Johnson. 

Oh, and Arian Foster will rush for 1,500 yards again. 

Indianapolis Colts, 11-5, 1st

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jets won 17

Not much else matters to the Indianapolis Colts, as long as they have four-time Most Valuable Player Peyton Manning.

Manning will turn in his usual great season and if the defense can allow under 350 points, they can win the AFC South division title for the third straight season. 

Jacksonville Jaguars, 5-11, 3rd

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs for a touchdaown during the game against the Washington Redskins at EverBank Field on December 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty

After years of thinking the Jacksonville Jaguars were so close to breaking out and winning 12 games, I'm going in the opposite direction. 

I think they'll win just five next season, leading to the benching of David Garrard for Blaine Gabbert in the middle of the season. 

And don't expect the defense to be much better than last season, when it allowed 419 points. 

Kansas City Chiefs, 7-9, 2nd

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs makes a catch in the endzone for a touchdown as Gerald McRath #51 of the Tennessee Titans defends during the game on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missou

Matt Cassel turned in a brilliant season in 2010, but don't expect the same in 2011. I think he'll be mediocre but I would be shocked if he threw 20 more touchdowns than interceptions again.

I also don't believe that Jamaal Charles can turn in another season as ridiculous as the last two. However, I do think Dwayne Bowe will remain one of the NFL's best wide receivers.

But the Chiefs won't repeat as AFC West champs. 

Miami Dolphins, 4-12, 4th

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI - DECEMBER 26: Running back Ricky Williams #34 of the Miami Dolphins breaks away from linebacker DeAndre Levy #54 of the Detroit Lions at Sun Life Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Lions defeated the Dolphins 34-27. (Photo by Mar

There's not a lot of hope for Dolphins fans in 2011, as Chad Henne will likely remain the team's starting quarterback for at least one more season.

Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are both well past their prime, making for an offense that likely won't score much more than 275 points.

In the AFC East, that equates to a lot of losses. 

Minnesota Vikings, 5-11, 4th

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings runs against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 26, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Adrian Peterson is the bright spot for the Minnesota Vikings' offense, but he won't be enough to make up for whoever the Vikings use at quarterback next season.

Joe Webb, Christian Ponder, Donovan McNabb...whoever they bring in, it won't be enough to beat the Packers, Lions or Bears.

New England Patriots, 13-3, 1st

Al Bello/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks to pass during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/G

The Patriots turned in arguably their best second-best season of the Bill Belichick era last year, winning 14 games with a pair of undrafted running backs, as well as a set of playmaking rookie tight ends.

They won't be quite as good in 2011, but they still have Tom Brady, and that should be enough to win 13 games and another AFC East division title. 

New Orleans Saints, 11-5, 1st

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints walks off the field after the Saints were defeated 41-36 by the Seattle Seahawks during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattle, Washin

The Saints have to still be reeling after losing to the 7-9 Seattle Seahawks in the wild-card round of the postseason last year. 

Thankfully for them, they'll be back to the playoffs in 2011 and the Seahawks won't.

Expect Drew Brees to turn in his usual strong season, with help from rookie running back Mark Ingram, who will probably earn the starting job by the end of the season. 

New York Giants, 11-5, 2nd

Nick Laham/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants is sacked by Moise Fokou #53 of the Philadelphia Eagles at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

After suffering late-season collapses in 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010, the Giants will finish strong in 2011, winning their final four games to qualify for the top wild-card spot.

Eli Manning will earn his second Pro Bowl selection, largely helped by wide receiver Plaxico Burress, who will catch 60 passes for 900 yards and 12 touchdowns after signing with the team in August. 

New York Jets, 9-7, 2nd

Al Bello/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets breaks up a pass intended for Mike Wallace #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steel

Head coach Rex Ryan guaranteed a Super Bowl victory for the Jets in the upcoming season, after suffering back-to-back losses in the AFC Championship Game. 

He's not going to get it. Mark Sanchez will struggle, looking more like he did in 2009 than 2010. And the Jets will struggle after cornerback Antonio Cromartie leaves via free agency. 

Oakland Raiders, 7-9, 3rd

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 05: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sideline against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 28-13. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Ge

The Raiders quietly turned in one of the NFL's top offenses in 2010, scoring well over 400 points.

The offense won't be as good in 2010, although Jacoby Ford will establish himself as one of the best deep threats in the NFL.

The Raiders will spend the season reeling from the loss of cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, however, and the defense will suffer. 

Philadelphia Eagles, 10-6, 3rd

Al Bello/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles eludes Matt Dodge #6 of the New York Giants and returns a punt for the winning touchdown as time runs out defeating the Giants 38-31 during their game on December 19, 2010 a

The Eagles' defense will be much improved, thanks to a big trade that will send quarterback Kevin Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals for Pro Bowl cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. 

But quarterback Michael Vick will miss several games due to an injury and backup Kyle Boller will cost the Eagles a few wins. 

The Eagles will finish at 10-6 and snag the NFL's final wild-card spot, their fourth straight season with a postseason appearance. 

Pittsburgh Steelers, 11-5, 2nd

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers takes the field to take on the Green Bay Packers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

It must be nice for the Pittsburgh Steelers to know that they'll have the service of two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for the entire 2011 season. 

However, running back Rashard Mendenhall will miss most of the season with injuries, as will safety Troy Polamalu, and the Steelers will consider themselves lucky to finish 11-5. 

San Diego Chargers, 10-6, 1st

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers looks to deliver a pass against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 33-28. (Photo by Doug

The Chargers will begin the season on fire, but will fade down the stretch. They'll still win the AFC West division title after finishing in second last year.

Philip Rivers will finally get the monkey off his back, as the San Diego Chargers will defeat the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI.

San Francisco 49ers, 7-9, 3rd

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 26: Troy Smith #1 of the San Francisco 49ers scrambles against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 26, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the 49ers 25-17. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

The 49ers have two former number one overall draft picks (David Carr and Alex Smith) and a former Heisman Trophy winner on their roster, yet none of the three can play. The Niners drafted quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the second round and may be forced to start him sooner than they anticipate. 

The defense, led by linebacker Patrick Willis, will make up for a subpar offense, and the Niners will remain in contention until late in the season. 

Seattle Seahawks, 7-9, 2nd

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks runs for a 67-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattle, W

The Seahawks shocked the world by actually winning a postseason game (and putting up a pretty good fight in the divisional round) after becoming the first-ever division winner with a losing record.

They'll finish 7-9 again next season, but it won't result in a trip to the postseason. 

However, Matt Hasselbeck will turn in what I like to call that one last good season a player has before his career is 100 percent over. 

St. Louis Rams, 9-7, 1st

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams runs out onto the field before the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the C

For the first time since 2004, the St. Louis Rams will be appearing in the postseason. 

Quarterback Sam Bradford will turn in a great season, throwing for 28 touchdowns and over 4,000 yards, and connecting on at least 20 passes with nine different targets.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 10-6, 3rd

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws the ball during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty

The Buccaneers will turn in another 10-win season but fail to qualify for the postseason.

Quarterback Josh Freeman won't be quite as productive as he was last season, but running back LeGarrette Blount will rush for close to 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns next season. 

Tennessee Titans, 3-13, 4th

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 09: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the NFL game at LP Field on December 9, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The Titans are a complete mess when it comes to quarterback, and I don't think that first-round pick Jake Locker will perform well at all in 2011.

I also think that running back Chris Johnson will miss a significant portion of the season (at least eight games) with a knee injury.

I expect nothing from the Titans in 2011. 

Washington Redskins, 2-14, 4th

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 26: Chris Cooley #47 of the Washington Redskins is tackled by Don Carey #22 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at EverBank Field on December 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Head coach Mike Shanahan has made a complete fool of himself since coming out of retirement to coach the Redskins. First there was his decision to bench Donovan McNabb, then reward him with a six-year contract, and then demote him to third-string. 

Now I am hearing that he wants John Beck, who has not thrown an NFL pass since the 2007 season, to start at quarterback next season. 

The Redskins are done. They have absolutely no chance.