2016 schedule: Predicted records, analysis for all 32 NFL teams

— -- NFL Nation reporters predict the 2016 regular-season records for every team. Each prediction was made independent of the predictions of their colleagues. Check out the full schedule here.

NFC Picks: East | West | North | South

AFC Picks: East | West | North | South

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys: 10-6. The Cowboys will have a healthy Tony Romo, Dez Bryant and Orlando Scandrick, who played 13 of a combined 48 games a year ago because of injury. That is better than any free agent or draft additions made by other teams in the division. The road schedule is difficult but the Cowboys finally make it work at AT&T Stadium to win the NFC East and return to the playoffs. -- Todd Archer

Analysis: Fast start to 2016 season is key |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Giants open in Dallas | Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Eagles' schedule is tougher than it seems |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Schedule includes brutal stretch |  Game-by-game predictions

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears: 9-7. John Fox-coached teams historically show improvement from Year 1 to Year 2. After a competitive 2015 campaign, the Bears have a favorable schedule next year, including winnable home games against Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Tennessee and San Francisco. Nine victories are not out of the question for the steadily improving Bears. -- Jeff Dickerson

Analysis: Four prime-time games ahead |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Three of four on the road to open season |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: A rarity -- two straight road games |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Two prime-time games to open new stadium |  Game-by-game predictions

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons: 7-9. I don't see the Falcons overcoming a brutal schedule that is tied with the 49ers for the toughest in the league, based on last year's records. Playing two of the past three Super Bowls champions, Denver and Seattle, in consecutive road games during Weeks 5 and 6 is a tough task in itself and a lot to ask of a team still trying to find its identity. Throw in facing Carolina at home before those two road contests makes for murderer's row and possibly a three-game losing streak (or longer). At least fans can get hyped up about the final game at the Georgia Dome being against the rival Saints in Week 17. The Falcons will move into the $1.4 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2017. -- Vaughn McClure

Analysis: Tough road ahead for Falcons |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Super Bowl 50 rematch in opener |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Only two prime-time games on schedule |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Three playoff teams in first five games |  Game-by-game predictions

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals: 13-3. The Cardinals have the talent to win 13 games, but will they have the legs to finish the season with five of seven games on the road? Their finish will determine their possible playoffs seed in the NFC. The Cardinals' back-to-back playoffs berths earned four prime-time games this season, including a Monday Night Football matchup against Todd Bowles and the New York Jets. -- Josh Weinfuss

Analysis: Five of final seven games on road |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Heavy on division foes, early and late |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Things could get ugly |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Five prime-time matchups looming |  Game-by-game predictions

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills: 9-7. I'll give the Bills a one-game improvement over their 8-8 record last season, mostly because I believe that their offense -- which they kept intact this offseason -- can do some damage if stars such as LeSean McCoy and Sammy Watkins stay healthy. How Rex Ryan's defense performs in Year 2 is the wild card, and he'll need some younger players to step up and fill holes this season. The defense's success is far from certain. -- Mike Rodak

Analysis: Break from Tom Brady? |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Two brutal trips to begin |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Early prime-time flavor on schedule |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Tough start ahead for Jets |  Game-by-game predictions

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens: 10-6. As long as the Ravens stay healthy, they are primed to be the seventh team since 2011 to go from double-digit losses to the playoffs the following season. Why? Last year, Baltimore went 2-6 against the tough AFC and NFC West divisions. This year, the Ravens should go 6-2 against the much easier AFC and NFC East. -- Jamison Hensley

Analysis: One playoff team in first seven games |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Burfict to miss a meeting with Steelers |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Three of four on road to start |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Two toughest opponents are at home |  Game-by-game predictions

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans: 9-7. The Texans took advantage of Andrew Luck missing nine games to end Indianapolis' two-year reign atop the AFC South last season. Houston hopes it has found its franchise quarterback in Brock Osweiler, who signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the team, to complement J.J. Watt and the defense. The Texans appear to be better on offense, but they'll finish with the same record as last season because of tough nonconference road games at Denver, New England, Green Bay, Oakland and Minnesota. -- Mike Wells

Analysis: Texans' schedule includes five primetime games |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Colts play on Thanksgiving |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Tough start, rough December stretch |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Three in a row in Nashville in October |  Game-by-game predictions

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos: 11-5. The Broncos put together a run that included four consecutive AFC West titles, two Super Bowl trips and a title in Super Bowl 50 with quarterback Peyton Manning. But there will be a Super Bowl hangover. The Broncos have enough talent to find their way into the postseason again and win another division title, but the opening three games against Carolina, Indianapolis and Cincinnati will be tough. They will also face Kansas City twice and New England in the final six weeks of the season. -- Jeff Legwold

Analysis: Schedule features tough early stretch |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Two night home games in December |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Raiders back in national limelight |  Game-by-game predictions

Analysis: Tough road tests early |  Game-by-game predictions