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2016 NFL Season: Final Record Predictions For All 32 Teams

By Erik Lambert

Sep 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick (7) and Blaine Gabbert (2) on the field before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-18. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick (7) and Blaine Gabbert (2) on the field before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-18. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) celebrates with cornerback Richard Sherman (25) during the third quarter New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) celebrates with cornerback Richard Sherman (25) during the third quarter New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Seattle Seahawks (12-4)

Biggest Strength:  The Defense

As great as Russell Wilson played towards the end of last season, it was proven again in the playoffs that this Seahawks team lives and died by their defense.  They held Minnesota to just nine points in the wild card round and gave up 31 in the first half against Carolina, leading to their defeat.  When this unit plays well, which is often the team wins.  There is no reason to think they are due for a sudden dip in performance.

Biggest Weakness:  Offensive Line

It was the weakest part of the team in 2015 and seems to have gotten even worse since then.  The Seahawks offensive line gave up 46 sacks last season.  If that weren’t bad enough, free agency subtracted their two best blockers in left tackle Russell Okung (Denver) and right guard J.R. Sweezy (Tampa Bay).  Pete Carroll has always been good at adjusting to who he has, but he’s not a miracle worker.

Final Record Reason

This team is still young, still talented and more experienced and confident than ever.  There is no reason to think they won’t be in the thick of the playoff picture come January.  Barring a huge string of injuries, the defense will shut people down and Wilson will continue his ascent towards being one of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL.

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