2011 NFL Predictions: Teams That Could Go 0-16 in 2011

Heading into a new NFL season, every fan knows that a key injury or a few bad bounces can lead to disappointment. But a few teams are some really bad luck away from not just a bad season, but having the unthinkable happen: 0-16. Without OTAs and mini-camps, many teams will not get good production out of rookies, will struggle to implement a new coach’s system, or will just plain miss out on free agency because of that feeding frenzy at the end of July. With today’s parity in the NFL, it’s highly unlikely that a team will go 0-16, but these teams, whether through injury or bad luck, have a shot.

Seattle Seahawks

In 2010 the SeaChickens were 27^th in total defense and 28^th in total offense, and yet they won their division at 7-9. This year they have no Matt Hasselbeck and questions at receiver, running back, quarterback and O-line. Most draft “experts” indicate the Seahawks have not addressed their needs very well. However, the Seahawks do have the advantage of playing in the northwest, so they will probably steal a few home games (e.g. Bengals, Redskins and 49ers). But that works the other way, too, when they have to travel more than any other team. Coach Carroll’s enthusiasm might carry them to a W or two, but, if the ball bounces the wrong way, this team could be 0-16.

Tennessee Titans

The likelihood of this happening hinges exclusively on the health of Matt Hasselbeck. If Hasselbeck stays healthy for a good chunk of the season, the Titans will find a way to win a few games. The Titans have a relatively tough first half of the season (Denver at home might be the only game in which they are favored). If Hasselbeck goes down during any of those games for an extended period there will be trouble in the Music City. Locker is a rookie with a new coaching staff, and the defense was bad in 2010 (26^th overall). Chris Johnson could be limping around with a hamstring issue all year after the holdout (remember  Darrelle Revis in 2010?). If the injury bug hits Hasselbeck again, it could be a very long year for the Titans.

San Francisco 49ers

As a 49ers fan it pains me to say it, but this team could be much worse than the 6-10 squad last year.  Alex Smith could have another abysmal year, and Colin Kaepernick is really raw. Combine that with a poor defensive secondary and an aging/ineffective running game, and the Niners could be 0 for ‘ll. Harbaugh will get a lot out of his players, but if they start off 0-5, the culture of losing could kick in. The 49ers do play in the NFC West and have the Bengals, Redskins and Seahawks on the schedule. But, with the exception of Seattle on opening weekend, there isn’t a single cupcake at home. 

Washington Redskins

In a choice akin to picking between Brussels sprouts and haggis, the Redskins present Rex Grossman or John Beck. This team was 18^th in total offense and 31^st in total defense in 2010. The Redskins did draft playmakers on both sides of the ball, but by the time the rookies get enough reps to make an impact, the team may have already given up. Add to the mix an impatient owner that could fire the Shanahans if the team gets off to a bad start, the ‘Skins could be in enough turmoil to lose them all. There is hope with the 49ers, Seahawks, Panthers and Bills on the schedule, but I would be nervous as a Redskins fan until that first W.

Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton may eventually be a great quarterback in the NFL, but it is unlikely to happen this year. Newton has still not lost that “one read and run” instinct, which is something that Steve Young, Randall Cunningham and Michael Vick (to name a few) all had to learn to overcome to be successful. Newton also stares down receivers and throws off his back foot a lot, which often translates to bad turnovers. And, if he gets hurt, Jimmy Clausen has illustrated that he still needs further development. The defense was serviceable in 2010 (18^th in total defense), but no defense can overcome too many turnovers. With a new coaching staff and a quarterback thrown to the wolves, the wrong bounces might result in a Panther goose egg in ‘11. 

Cincinnati Bengals

What isn’t wrong with the Bengals? They have an owner who is playing chicken with Carson Palmer, and a coach who has had a winning season only twice in his tenure. To be fair, Marvin Lewis’ worst record was last year’s 4-12, but they have done little to improve on that underachieving squad. Ochocinco and T.O. are gone, and Cedric Benson is in legal trouble—again. Andy Dalton may be a successful quarterback—if the Bengals get the first pick and trade him away in favor of Andrew Luck—but he can’t be counted on to win a ton of games as a rookie. Bruce Gradkowski is serviceable but injury-prone. The Bengals have the 49ers, Bills, Panthers and Browns all at home, so they might get a W, but Cincinnati could be riding a 17-game losing streak going into 2012.