FanPost

My way too early schedule analysis and record prediction (and you're probably not going to like it!)

I'm going to preface this by saying that I know a lot of you won't like the way I see the upcoming season shaking out. I'm ok with that. Secondly, I will be revisiting this topic after the pre-season because it's still early to know everything about this team, and my opinion might change after I see the team play together. Third, I hope this generates a good discussion. If you don't agree with me, that's ok, but tell me why you disagree. Having said that, here is the way I see the 2013 season playing out:

Week 1: @ Rams. Jeff Fisher is an excellent coach, and he already has a strong, attacking defense. The Rams added playmakers on both sides of the ball and I expect them to be improved over last year. LOSS. (0-1)

Week 2: vs Lions. The home opener for the Cardinals comes against a weak Lions team. Looks like the Cards will win their first home game of the year. WIN. (1-1)

Week 3: @ Saints. In New Orleans, and with Sean Payton back to give the Saints a boost from last year, I think the Saints will be back in the playoffs. LOSS. (1-2)

Week 4: @ Buccaneers. The Bucs vastly improved their secondary, have an excellent running game, playmakers at WR and a QB looking to prove himself in a contract year. Playing on the East Coast, LOSS. (1-3)

Week 5: vs Panthers. Playing a young Panthers team in AZ gives the Cards a good chance at a win here, but it won't be easy. WIN. (2-3)

Week 6: @ 49ers. 49ers are probably the best coached team in the NFL, and are stacked at all the key positions. LOSS. (2-4)

Week 7: vs Seahawks. The Seahawks are fighting the 49ers for the top spot in the NFL, and the Cardinals will be playing on a short week. LOSS. (2-5)

Week 8: vs Falcons. I now the Cardinals almost pulled out a win in ATL last year, but the Falcons filled their biggest weaknesses (RB, CB) in the offseason and will be looking to compete for the NFC again. LOSS. (2-6)

Week 9: BYE

Week 10: vs, Texans. While I expect the Texans to take a step back this year, they are still going to be tough on defense and have a formidable offense. They should still be among the best teams in the AFC. LOSS. (2-7)

Week 11: @ Jags. The Jags are deep in the rebuilding mode with no light at the end of the tunnel. WIN. (3-7)

Week 12: vs. Colts. This is a game I see as a true pick em, but only because BA knows the Colts very well. Unfortunately, the Colts have a huge advantage with Andrew Luck at QB. LOSS. (3-8)

Week 13: @ Eagles. The Cardinals have had the Eagles number lately, and while the Eagles have talent and a new coach, I think the Cardinals keep their winning ways against the Eagles going in Philly. WIN. (4-8)

Week 14: vs Rams. The Cardinals usually beat the Rams at home, although last year was the exception. I think they win this one. WIN. (5-8)

Week 15: @ Titans. This game is one I think the Cardinals would win if it was in AZ, but on the East Coast, against an up and coming Titans team that I think will make some teams sweat this year, the Cardinals drop another one. LOSS. (5-9)

Week 16: @ Seahawks. While it would be nice to think the Cardinals will avenge the 58-0 curb stomping in Seattle last season, the Seahawks could be fighting for the top seed in the playoffs. LOSS. (5-10)

Week 17: vs 49ers. Even though they will likely have the playoffs clinched, Harbaugh isn't the type to let off the gas. LOSS. (5-11)

So that's the way I see it going down. I hope I'm wrong, but the Cardinals face a very tough schedule, and I've said all along I think it's a 2 year rebuild for BA and company to compete for the division and playoffs. But with a new, unproven DC, a first time HC (the pressure isn't the same when you're the interim coach) and a team that, on paper, only improved at a few positions, it looks like it's going to be another tough season.

<em>This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Revenge of the Birds' (ROTB) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of ROTB's editors.</em>