2020 NFL Season Schedule: Win-Loss Record Predictions for all 32 Teams
With many NFL Players potentially dropping out of the 2020 NFL Season due to the Corona-Virus pandemic, and no fans in the stadiums, the 2020 NFL Season will be a first like no other. Still for now at least, the “show” must go on and as of today’s date there will be an NFL Season. With that in mind we’ll get into the outlook for all 32 teams and where they’ll finish in the standings.
NFC East
- New York Giants: 10–6 (4–2 Division Record), 6–2 Home, 4–4 Away-
The G-Men have a new coaching staff coming in and will look to move on from the Eli Manning era. It will not be an easy year for this team but something tells me Daniel Jones and the Offense will take a step up to win some close games. If the Offensive-Line can play decent, New York can find itself a top the NFC East in 2020.
2. Philadelphia Eagles: 7–9 (4–2 Division Record), 5–3 Home, 2–6 Away-
This result may seem like a surprise, but if you read my 2020 NFL QB Rankings analysis of Carson Wentz, you’d know that I believe he is vastly overrated. On top of that, the Eagles have one of the worst receiving cores in the NFL. This Offense will struggle and the Defense isn’t consistent enough to overcome the holes on this roster.
3. Dallas Cowboys: 7–9 (3–3 Division Record), 6–2 Home, 1–7 Away-
With the contract disputes of Dak Prescott looming over the heads of this Franchise and their non-commitment to their much maligned Starting Quarterback, it doesn’t look good for the Cowboys this season. If the Cowboys don’t really believe in Prescott, things could get bad fast for this team and they could find themselves looking to find a new Quarterback after a potentially disappointing 2020 NFL season.
4. Washington: 4–12 (1–5 Division Record) 3–5 Home, 1–7 Away-
With a new coaching Staff on hand and promising young players on Defense, Ron Rivera will find out if he wants to move forward with Dwayne Haskins beyond this year. It’s not likely. Haskins at best is projected to be an average career starting Quarterback. Rivera is going to want “his guy”. Also with the return of Alex Smith, I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes over the reigns and helps this team finish second in the division. They have the defense. They’re just a Quarterback away. You can read the potential Quarterback controversy piece I wrote here.
NFC North
- Minnesota Vikings: 12–4 (4–2 Division Record) 7–1 Home, 5–3 Away-
Minnesota lost a huge target in Stefon Diggs but they’re still the most complete team in the NFC North. Also Kirk Cousins continues to get better each season and, the competition for the NFC North crown is simply not there.
2. Green Bay Packers: 9–7 (4–2 Division Record) 7–1 Home, 2–6 Away-
There is no way Aaron Rodgers liked the fact that the Packers reached and took Jordan Love in the 1st Round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Not when the Packers have other dire needs. Especially on Offense. Rodgers doesn’t have a running or the receivers to work miracles. With his growing discontent with the Franchise and a young Quarterback behind him, Rodgers’ days in Green Bay seem numbered.
3. Detroit Lions: 9–7 (3–3 Division Record) 5–3 Home, 4–4 Away-
This record is Matthew Stafford’s comfort zone. The Lions have a really good roster with depth at every position. The problem? They don’t have a Quarterback that can rise to the occasion and make his teammates better to produce wins. How do I know this? Stafford has been the starter for 12 Seasons and has a losing overall career record, a losing record against winning teams, and no playoff wins. He puts up shiny numbers, and makes the Lions watchable and, at times exciting to watch. However, the truth is, he does just enough to keep getting more chances to disappoint and fall short of expectations while putting up good numbers. 2020 won’t be different.
4. Chicago Bears: 3–13 (1–5 Division Record) 2–6 Home, 1–7 Away- I don’t envy Coach Matt Nagy at all. He has all the pieces on Offense and Defense. The problem is management seemingly is shoving Mitch Trubisky down his throat and, making him commit to the embattled Starter who was famously taken ahead of Superstar QB’s Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson in the 2017 NFL Draft. It will be the Bears and Nagy’s downfall if he doesn’t make the smart decision to start Nick Foles this season.
NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints: 10–6 (4–2 Division Record) 6–2 Home, 4–4 Away-
Yes Tom Brady is “in town” and has made a grand entrance into the NFC South. But this is still Drew Brees’ and the Saints Division. The Saints went 5–0 without Brees last season. That tells you how good and complete this team is. 2020 won’t be different and, I expect the Saints to take the division crown in a tight race with the Bucs.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10–6 (3–3 Division Record) 5–3 Home, 5–3 Away-
I don’t think it will be an easy initial transition for Tom Brady and the offense at the beginning of the season. They’ll struggle to get the chemistry down but make a run down the stretch of the season.
3. Carolina Panthers: 7–9 (2–4 Division Record) 4–4 Home, 3–5 Away-
Letting go of Cam Newton will haunt this team for years to come as he revives his career in New England. You can read my article on his potential 2020 resurgence here. Giving Teddy Bridgewater the contract that they did will prove to be even more foolish. The truth is this team is in for a long rebuild but will be competitive.
4. Atlanta Falcons: 6–10 (3–3 Division Record) 2–6 Home, 4–4 Away-
The Falcons aren’t in position to be a threat for the division crown this upcoming Season. They have major problems on defense, and have a propensity of not being able close out games circa 2016 Super-Bowl 51. Not being able to close out games and a “Swiss cheese” defense isn’t a recipe for success.
NFC West
1. San Francisco 49ers: 12–4 Record (5–1 Division Record) 7–1 Home, 5–3 Away-
This is easily the most complete team in the NFC West. They have the best running game, the second best Quarterback, and a monstrous pass rush. There’s no reason why the 49er’s shouldn’t runaway with the division title.
2. Seattle Seahawks: 10–6 Record (4–2 Division Record) 6–2 Home, 4–4 Away-
Aside from D.k. Metcalf, Russell Wilson doesn’t have much to work with on the Offensive side of the ball and the Running-Game is close to non-existent. If the running game by some miracle or another Receiver emerge, then the Seahawks could contend for the division crown. As it stands, its not likely.
3. Los Angeles Rams: 10–6 Record (3–3 Division Record) 6–2 Home, 4–4 Away-
It’s too bad that the Rams play in arguably the best Division in football. They probably will be competing for a Wild-Card spot. It’s possible for them to finish well above .500 and still miss the playoffs. However, their defense is dangerous and, built for a play-off run. No one wants to see the Rams defense in the Playoffs.
4. Arizona Cardinals: 3–13 Record (1–5 Division Record) 2–6 Home, 1–7 Away-
Call me crazy but I just don’t see “it”. The hype combo of Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray just doesn’t make sense to me. Murray isn’t Russell Wilson and Kingsbury is a college football coach flame-out, who is most definitely not Pete Carroll. The edition of DeAndre Hopkins is wasted on a QB and coach combo that I have to see to believe, can win football games on a consistent basis. Cardinal fans could be in for a long disappointing season.
AFC East
1. Buffalo Bills: 15–1 (5–1 Division Record) 8–0 Home, 7–1 Away-
Buffalo is well on its way to being a huge threat to win it all. That is all going to depend on Quarterback Josh Allen taking a giant leap forward in year 3, which I believe he will. The Bills gave him a shiny new toy to play with (pun intended). Stefon Diggs likes to go deep and he has the perfect laser-armed Quarterback to throw him the ball. Buffalo is going to be fun to watch.
2. New England Patriots: 14–2 (5–1 Division Record) 7–1 Home, 7–1 Away-
New England’s record is indicative of the Career resurgence of Cam Newton combined with Bill Belichick’s Genius. You can read a more in depth analysis as to why I believe the Pats, Cam, and Belichick will surprise people in 2020, right here.
3. New York Jets: 5–11 (1–5 Division Record) 4–4 Home, 1–7 Away-
Adam Gase is literally one of the worst Head Coaches in the NFL. He looks in over his head, makes questionable decisions on game day, and is mediocre in the one area he’s supposed to be an “expert” in, Offense. He’ll be on the “hot-seat” this upcoming season and, could find himself out of a job if the mediocrity continues.
4. Miami Dolphins: 3–13 (1–5 Division Record) 2–6 Home, 1–7 Away-
The job Brian Flores did last year with a “gutted roster” was admirable. Especially when he had to endure said gutted roster, along with the Quarterback play of 2018 NFL Draft bust Josh Rosen, and journeyman back-up Ryan Fitzpatrick. This will be a tough year for the Dolphins though. They are a couple of years behind the other 3 teams in the division from being competitive. The most important thing is to continue to develop young talent, keep Tua healthy, and continuing to draft players to build around.
AFC North
1. Baltimore Ravens: 12–4 (4–2 Division Record) 7–1 Home, 5–3 Away-
With Lamar Jackson at the helm for the Ravens, they’ve proven that regular season success isn’t the issue. Now it’s getting that first playoff win out the way. With a Super-Bowl winning coach and an MVP Quarterback the Ravens are seemingly set to make multiple playoff appearances. Now it’s time to step up and take the next step to establish themselves as true contenders.
2. Cincinnati Bengals: 11–5 (4–2 Division Record) 6–2 Home, 5–3 Away-
Surprised!? You shouldn’t be. Joe Burrow is pro ready. The Bengals have a nasty front-line. A great running-game to alleviate some of the pressure on their rookie Quarterback, a steal in the 2020 Draft in Tee Higgins, and if A.J. Green stays healthy, a stud number one Receiver. This team is better than most people think and could creep up on teams if they underestimate this young scrappy bunch. The Offensive-Line could still use some work though. Also the Head-Coach is questionable. We don’t how good he is yet. His first season was clearly a “tank job”. We’ll find out this season just how good of a Head Coach Zac Taylor is in 2020.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers: 8–8 (2–4 Division Record) 5–3 Home, 3–5 Away-
I respect Mike Tomlin as a Head Coach. One of the best in the NFL. But his team is stock in the crux of mediocrity at best, and when that happens to an NFL Franchise, they’re stuck in “ no-mans-land”. It’s worse than being one of the worst teams in the NFL because when you’re one of the worst teams in NFL, you at least get to rebuild with high draft picks. Mediocre teams like the Steelers get stuck with mid to late first rounders. No good. Expect another 8–8 year from this team and the reset button being pushed by Mike Tomlin and Co.
4. Cleveland Browns: 4–12 (2–4 Division Record) 3–5 Home, 1–7 Away-
Last year was no “disappointing” year from the Browns. Last year’s dumpster fire was no accident. That’s who they are. An overrated cast of characters that make the headlines for the wrong reasons, poorly coached, no discipline, leadership, awful front office management, and a Quarterback, whose confidence last year looked shot. This has been the story of the Browns since 1999. Nothing new here folks.
AFC South
1. Tennessee Titans: 10–6 (6–0 Division Record) 5–3 Home, 5–3 Away-
Ryan Tannehill’s comeback story last season was impressive. While I don’t expect him to put up another season with a 110+ QB Rating, I believe in the cast around him, and the play calls that revolve around the quick hit, play action, and run game. That fits to Tannehills strengths, he’s a mobile athletic Quarterback. The secondary of the Titans, led by Malcolm Butler, is very promising as well and, will cause fits for opposing teams’ passing game.
2. Houston Texans: 8–8 (3–3 Division Record) 4–4 Home, 4–4 Away-
Bill O’Brien has to go. You don’t trade your top notch Wide Receiver for a washed up Running-Back. This 2020 Record prediction may be generous but things could get ugly down in Houston real quick. O’Brien is another coach, whose seat is getting warm.
3. Indianapolis Colts: 7–9 (3–3 Division Record) 4–4 Home, 3–5 Away-
With the recent signing of Philip Rivers, the Colts are looking to win now. Normally when you have a future Hall-of-Fame veteran Quarterback like Rivers at the helm going into win now mode isn’t so bad. That’s if you have the Roster to do so. I’m not so sure if the Colts do. Furthermore Rivers isn’t the same Quarterback he was 4 years ago.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars: 1–15 (0–6 Division Record) 1–7 Home, 0–8 Away-
RED ALERT! RED ALERT! CODE BLUE!… The Jags are entering the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes! The Jags are sold on and fully behind Gardner Minshew as the potential Quarterback of their future. Yeah and the tooth-fairy is real. What the Jags are really sold on is that Gardner Minshew gives them the best chance at landing the 1st Overall Pick. The 2020 season isn’t about next year for Jags fans its all about the 2021 NFL Draft. Period.
AFC West
1. Kansas City Chiefs: 10–6 (5–1 Division Record) 7–1 Home, 3–5 Away-
Even with (by their standards) a mediocre record, the Chiefs should and, will easily win this division. There will be a few bumps on the Road. Literally. Their 2020 schedule is tough and brutal. But this bunch is too good to falter.
2. Denver Broncos: 7–9 (3–3 Division Record) 7–1 Home, 3–5 Away-
I like what I saw from Drew Lock last year. He was a better decision maker than I though he’d be for a rookie Quarterback. The Broncos have to be excited for the future. This team is still a year or two away from getting back into contention though.
3. Las Vegas Raiders: 6–10 (2–4 Division Record) 3–5 Home, 2–6 Away-
I think the Raiders will play much better than the Record I have for them in 2020. They’ll have trouble closing out some close games. Overall though, I like the drafting, roster building and, continued development lead by Mike Mayock and, Jon Gruden. The Raiders have a bright future.
4. Los Angeles Chargers: 5–11 (2–4 Division Record) 3–5 Home, 2–6 Away-
It would be wise of the Chargers to play Justin Herbert right away instead of letting him sit for a year. Typically you want your rookie to sit if your team is ready to win now or has a Quarterback in front of him that you can win now with. I like Tyrod Taylor, but he hasn’t been the same Quarterback that I saw play really well with the Bills from 2015–17. Whether Herbert starts now or later the Chargers are a losing team this Season so might as well get the “growing pains” out the way as soon as possible.
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