While the New England Patriots are a heavy favorite to win the Super Bowl again, any NFL team can be sidetracked with injuries.

If the Patriots should lose Tom Brady for an extended period, they might have trouble getting back into the big game. Brady aside, they can absorb injuries better than most teams because of their depth and the genius of coach Bill Belichick.

At the moment, according to Bing.com’s Bing Predicts feature, the Patriots are projected to once again finish strong in the AFC. This 2017 season is not just about the Patriots, however. In the AFC, don’t sleep on the Tennessee Titans or the Oakland Raiders. Meanwhile, according to Bing’s prediction model, NFC teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys could actually finish ahead of last year’s Super Bowl champs.

Injuries, trades, or just plain luck will certainly affect the odds over 17 weeks, but right now, this is where you can expect each NFL team to finish the 2017 regular season.

Bing’s NFL predictions use team and player statistics and web activity to build a statistical model that takes into account historical data and real-time information (like injuries, suspensions, and line-up changes). Finally, social sentiment adds a unique wisdom-of-the-crowd factor to the model. Learn more about Bing Predicts.

Click here to see the projected regular season records for all 32 NFL teams:

AFC East

> New England Patriots
> Predicted 2017 record: 10-6 (tied — fourth)
> 2016 Record: 14-2

Never doubt the future Hall of Fame combination of Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick. A back-to-back repeat would be tough, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see the dynamic duo win their sixth Super Bowl. Yes, Brady is 40, but that should not make a difference for a man whose diet is 80 percent organic vegetables and 20 percent lean meat. (White sugar? No thanks.) They lost wide receiver Julian Edelman for the season, but Belichick is the master of turning role players into game changers. They added wide receiver Brandin Cooks, and the defense added cornerback Stephon Gilmore. The Patriots won the Super Bowl in February without tight end Rob Gronkowski, so it seems anything is possible with this bunch. Three of their first four games are at home, beginning with the NFL opener on Sept. 7, against the Chiefs.

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> New York Jets
> Predicted 2017 record: 8-8 (tied — 13th)
> 2016 Record: 5-11

The Jets have made plenty of roster moves. They got rid of quality players like wide receiver Brandon Marshall, wide receiver Eric Decker, center Nick Mangold, placekicker Nick Folk, linebacker David Harris and offensive tackle Breno Giacomini. Last week they shipped defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson to the Seahawks for wide receiver Jermaine Kearse. It doesn’t appear they’ve upgraded much, but coming off a 5-11 season perhaps there was nothing better than a shake-up. They drafted a pair of safeties — Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye — in the first two rounds. Veteran Josh McCown has been named the starting quarterback. They open with two games on the road — at the Bills on Sept. 10, then at the Raiders on Sept. 17.

> Buffalo Bills
> Predicted 2017 record: 6-10 (tied — 25th)
> 2016 Record: 7-9

It’s been 17 seasons since the Bills made the playoffs, and it looks like this could be year 18. First-year coach Sean McDermott has a major task at hand, although he inherits a strong rushing offense, thanks to running back LeSean McCoy. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor, a mobile threat, returns and should find an offense built around his strengths. Surprisingly, wide receiver Sammy Watkins was traded just after the Bills had signed veteran wide receiver Anquan Boldin, who retired a few days later. Wide receiver Jordan Matthews, who was then acquired in a trade, will join rookie wide receiver Zay Jones as the top receiving threats. It’s a team that must stay healthy with little depth at several positions, including running back, quarterback and safety. Playing the Patriots twice a season is no picnic, but the Dolphins and Jets face the same task. The Bills host the Jets in the opener on Sept. 10.

> Miami Dolphins
> Predicted 2017 record: 5-11 (tied — 29th)
> 2016 Record: 10-6

Coach Adam Gase and quarterback Jay Cutler worked well together in Chicago in 2015 when Gase was the offensive coordinator. Now the hope is that relationship can transfer to improving the Dolphins, who lost quarterback Ryan Tannehill in early August with a torn ACL. The 34-year-old Cutler was headed to retirement before he got the call. The Dolphins need running back Jay Ajayi to improve on his 1,272-yard and eight-touchdown season in 2016 to open up the passing game for Cutler. Wide receiver DeVante Parker became a Cutler favorite in the preseason and, of course, he’ll have wide receiver Jarvis Landry, too. They open at home against the Bucs on Sept. 10. They’ll face the Patriots twice in three weeks, starting Nov. 26.

AFC North

> Cincinnati Bengals
> Predicted 2017 record: 9-7 (tied — ninth)
> 2016 Record: 6-9-1

Joe Mixon could play a major role in the offense — or not. The running back, who allegedly punched his girlfriend while at Oklahoma, slid in the draft until the Bengals took a chance on him in the second round. He’ll have to compete for touches with running backs Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard. Mixon can also line up as a pass catcher and that versatility could be a plus. Offensively, the Bengals also added first-round pick John Ross, a wide receiver. Look for Cincy to rebound from a 6-9-1 season. They open with a pair of games at home against the Ravens on Sept 10, then against the Texans on Sept. 14.

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> Pittsburgh Steelers
> Predicted 2017 record: 9-7 (tied — ninth)
> 2016 Record: 11-5

One big question has been the status of running back Le’Veon Bell, who missed training camp and the preseason because he had not signed a tender as the franchise tag player. He reported on Sept. 1. It shouldn’t take him long to knock off the rust — after all, he knows the offense. The defending AFC North champs, who finished 11-5, could have trouble getting back to that status this season. Don’t expect a remake of the Steel Curtain, but the defense expects to improve greatly, taking pressure off Ben Roethlisberger and the offense. Defensive end Cam Heyward, who missed the last half of 2016 is back. Also, the team just added veteran defensive back Joe Haden. The defense has been built mostly through the draft, so it’s a young group that has grown together. Everything will have to go right — starting with the opener at Cleveland on Sept. 10 — for the Steelers to get back to the AFC championship game.

> Baltimore Ravens
> Predicted 2017 record: 8-8 (tied — 13th)
> 2016 Record: 8-8

Although the Ravens made interesting moves in the offseason, they could finish 2017 with the same 8-8 record as in 2016. Veteran wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and running back Danny Woodhead were signed as free agents. The defense also improved by signing former Cowboys defensive back Brandon Carr and strong safety Tony Jefferson. Also, defensive back Marlon Humphrey was drafted in the first round. Once again, quarterback Joe Flacco could be the calming influence on the offense. They open at the Bengals on Sept. 10, then are home to the Browns on Sept. 17 and at the Jaguars on Sept. 24. It would be wise to take advantage of that early part of the schedule.

> Cleveland Browns
> Predicted 2017 record: 5-11 (tied — 29th)
> 2016 Record: 1-15

Some day the Browns will shake their reputation as the big losers and start winning regularly, but it will not be this season. They could, however, improve on their 1-15 record from 2016 if all goes well. Second-round pick DeShone Kizer won the starting quarterback role over Cody Kessler and veteran Brock Osweiler. Most rookie quarterbacks have a tough go of it, but Kizer has good arm strength and size (6’ 4”), which will play to his advantage. Defensively, all eyes will be on first overall pick Myles Garrett, a defensive end, and veteran linebacker Jamie Collins. They open at home against the Steelers on Sept. 10.

AFC South

> Tennessee Titans
> Predicted 2017 record: 10-6 (tied — fourth)
> 2016 Record: 9-7

Quarterback Marcus Mariota, entering his third season, has two new wide receiver targets in first-round pick Corey Davis and Eric Decker, who signed as a free agent. The receivers missed much of camp, so their chemistry with Mariota will need to grow quickly as the season starts. Mariota, who is coming off a broken tibia from Week 16, threw for 26 touchdowns against just nine interceptions last year. The Titans used their second first-round draft pick on cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, who should start. After a 9-7 record in 2016, the Titans have reason to believe they can improve. They open the season at home facing the Raiders on Sept. 10.

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> Indianapolis Colts
> Predicted 2017 record: 9-7 (tied — ninth)
> 2016 Record: 8-8

It’s never a good thing when a quarterback is the big question mark. Andrew Luck, who is coming off right shoulder surgery in January, is the X-factor here. He’s been activated from the physically unable to perform list, but it’s uncertain if he’ll be ready to go against the Rams in Week 1 in Los Angeles on Sept. 10. Luck missed all of the offseason workouts so yes, he will be rusty. If he returns to his old self, the Colts should have no problem improving on 2016’s 8-8 record, especially with an improved offensive line. The defense, ranked 30th in the NFL in 2016 allowing 382.9 yards per game, will get help from first-round pick Malik Hooker at free safety.

> Jacksonville Jaguars
> Predicted 2017 record: 8-8 (tied — 13th)
> 2016 Record: 3-13

Blake Bortles has won the quarterback battle over Chad Henne, but it may not last. Bortles led the Jaguars to a 3-13 record last year and has thrown 51 interceptions in 46 games. New head coach Doug Marrone is seeking a way — any way — to find more wins. For one, the Jags drafted running back Leonard Fournette, who automatically adds a spark to the offense. Second-round pick Cam Robinson is expected to start at left tackle. They open at Houston on Sept. 10.

> Houston Texans
> Predicted 2017 record: 8-8 (tied — 13th)
> 2016 Record: 9-7

After two back surgeries in 2016, defensive end J.J. Watt is ready to go. That’s great news for the Texans, who had the NFL’s stingiest defense (allowing 301.3 yards per game), even with Watt out for the final 13 games last season. Along with outside linebackers Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus, the front seven should be the strength of the defense once again. Cornerbacks Kevin Johnson, Kareem Jackson and Johnathan Joseph help form a solid secondary. It’s the offense that may be lacking. Tom Savage is expected to start at quarterback, since he’s been in the system four years, but he’s played in just five NFL games since he was drafted in 2014. If he doesn’t perform, rookie Deshaun Watson will be waiting, clipboard in hand. The old saying goes that if you have two quarterbacks, you don’t have one. We’ll see when the Texans open against the Jaguars at home on Sept. 10. Matching their 9-7 record from 2016 could be a tall order.

AFC West

> Oakland Raiders
> Predicted 2017 record: 10-6 (tied — fourth)
> 2016 Record: 12-4

After a 12-4 season and a wild-card loss to the Texans, the Raiders’ offense was strengthened through three free agent signings. Marshall Newhouse, who had been with the Giants, should help anchor the offensive line at left tackle. Wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, who had been with the Vikings, and tight end Jared Cook, who had been in Green Bay, should give quarterback Derek Carr good options. Carr was given the NFL’s highest paid contract (five years for $125 million), until the Lions upped that to $135 million for Matthew Stafford. The Raiders also paid big for running back Marshawn Lynch and offensive guard Gabe Jackson. The defense features outside linebacker Khalil Mack, possibly the best defensive player in the NFL. He told ESPN.com he wants 30 sacks this season after 11 in 2016. The Raiders open at the Titans on Sept. 10.

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> Kansas City Chiefs
> Predicted 2017 record: 8-8 (tied — 13th)
> 2016 Record: 12-4

The defending AFC West champs (12-4) look to have a tougher road this year. They are down to two running backs in rookie Kareem Hunt and Charcandrick West, after Spencer Ware tore up his knee and C.J. Spiller was released. Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Chris Conley should have bigger roles this season with the departure of Jeremy Maclin. Hill is a multiple threat. Last season he scored three touchdowns on punt and kick returns. All the pressure is on quarterback Alex Smith with first-round pick Patrick Mahomes waiting in the wings. Kansas City must be ready from the get-go. They open at the Patriots on Sept. 7.

> Denver Broncos
> Predicted 2017 record: 7-9 (tied — 21st)
> 2016 Record: 9-7

Much of the Broncos’ success will be tied to the offensive line, which was changed up with the addition of former Cowboys guard Ronald Leary and Raiders tackle Menelik Watson, along with drafting left tackle Garett Bolles. Quarterback Trevor Siemian, who was sacked 31 times in his first season as a starter in 2016, needs to stay upright and the line must open holes for newly acquired running back Jamaal Charles. Charles must stay healthy and thrive for the Broncos to return to the playoffs after sitting out the postseason in 2016. They play four of their first five at home, but those opponents include the Cowboys (Sept. 17), Raiders (Oct. 1) and Giants (Oct. 15).

> Los Angeles Chargers
> Predicted 2017 record: 6-10 (tied — 25th)
> 2016 Record: 5-11

The shakeup of the Chargers’ offensive line stands out with left tackle Russell Okung and right guard Kenny Wiggins replacing King Dunlap and D.J. Fluker. Matt Slauson will move from center to left guard, with undrafted free agent Spencer Pulley taking over at center. The line must jell quickly to provide protection for the 35-year-old Philip Rivers, whose 60.4 completion percentage in 2016 was his worst since 2007. It didn’t help that he was sacked 36 times (down from 40 in 2015). Wide receiver Keenan Allen was injured in the first game in 2016, forcing him to miss the remainder of his rookie season. He’s healthy now and needs to start strong, along with wide receiver Tyrell Williams. Receiver Mike Williams, a first-round draft pick, isn’t expected to play at least until October due to back issues. The Chargers made the move from San Diego, but the results this year will likely be similar to 2016, when they finished 5-11. They open at the Broncos on the late Monday night game on Sept. 11.

NFC East

> Dallas Cowboys
> Predicted 2017 record: 11-5 (third)
> 2016 Record: 13-3

Quarterback Dak Prescott returns for his second season after a surprising start to his NFL career, when he replaced an injured Tony Romo to start the 2016 season and played all 16 games. The former fourth-round pick should improve after learning on-the-job last season, although it will be tough to top his touchdown-to-interception ratio of 23 to 4. He still has a favorite target in Dez Bryant and another in tight end Jason Witten. The Cowboys’ running back Ezekiel Elliott is suspended for the first six games, unless the penalty is reduced on his appeal. The defense was upgraded in the draft with defensive end Taco Charlton and a pair of cornerbacks in Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis. The ‘Boys open with the New York Giants at home on Sept. 10. The defending NFC East champs need to get off to a good start with three of their first five at home, including a game against the Packers (Oct. 8), who beat them in the divisional round of the playoffs in January.

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> Philadelphia Eagles
> Predicted 2017 record: 9-7 (tied — ninth)
> 2016 Record: 7-9

If quarterback Carson Wentz can make a big jump from his rookie year to the second season, the Eagles’ offense will be in much better shape. As a rookie in 2016, Wentz passed for 3,782 yards and had a 62.4 percent completion rate. He’ll have more options now with wide receivers Torrey Smith and Alshon Jeffery, who were signed as free agents. The 27-year-old Jeffery has a one-year deal to prove himself. If he stays healthy he can be the playmaker that Wentz needs. On defense, they lost outside linebacker Connor Barwin and cornerback Nolan Carroll. In their second year under coach Doug Pederson, the Eagles should improve on their 7-9 record from 2016. They open at the Redskins on Sept. 10 and play three of their first four contests on the road.

> Washington Redskins
> Predicted 2017 record: 8-8 (tied — 13th)
> 2016 Record: 8-7-1

The Redskins’ defensive line got plenty of attention in the offseason, adding free agent defensive tackles Stacy McGee and Terrell McClain and using the first-round pick on defensive end Jonathan Allen. Look for Ziggy Hood to rotate in at both end and tackle. Quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is playing on a franchise tag hoping for a big payday after the season, will have to work his magic without receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon, who were lost in free agency. The Redskins, who open at home against the Eagles on Sept. 10, could see a slight improvement from 2016’s 8-7-1 record.

> New York Giants
> Predicted 2017 record: 7-9 (tied — 21st)
> 2016 Record: 11-5

The window could be closing on the Eli Manning era, so it’s full-speed ahead. The 36-year-old quarterback is entering his 14th NFL season. Witness the addition of Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall, who will take pressure off wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Maybe. Beckham will still face double coverage on Sundays. Not many changes on the defense, which was the strength of the team in 2016 when they finished 11-5. The D-line might be the best in the NFL at stopping the run with ends Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul, along with tackle Damon Harrison. Keep an eye on cornerback Eli Apple who could emerge in his second year. The Giants face a huge test when they open at the Cowboys on Sept. 10.

NFC North

> Minnesota Vikings
> Predicted 2017 record: 8-8 (tied — 13th)
> 2016 Record: 8-8

If it wasn’t for bad luck the Vikings would have had no luck at all last year. They lost promising young quarterback Teddy Bridgewater for the entire season and at least part of this season. Running back Adrian Peterson was injured and played in only three games. Even coach Mike Zimmer missed a game due to emergency eye surgery. The Vikings got off to a 5-0 start, but finished 3-8. Quarterback Sam Bradford is back and should be improved with 15 games under his belt and an offseason to work with the first unit. Running back Dalvin Cook, a second-round pick, will take over at running back and expectations are high. The Vikings tried to upgrade the inefficient offensive line with tackles Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers. The veterans will have to prove themselves. With an 8-8 record this year, it’s possible they could win the NFC North, but the Packers might have something to say about that. The Vikings open at home against the Saints on Sept. 11.

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> Chicago Bears
> Predicted 2017 record: 7-9 (tied — 21st)
> 2016 Record: 3-13

With Jay Cutler in Miami, the Bears look to Mike Glennon to lead the offense. The quarterback could be on a short leash due to the solid preseason campaign of Mitchell Trubisky, the second overall draft pick. Trubisky is the Bears’ future. He’s likely to get his start sometime this season, perhaps sooner rather than later. Coming off a 3-13 season, the Bears lost wide receiver Alshon Jeffery to free agency, replacing him with free agent wide receivers Markus Wheaton and Kendall Wright. The run game is in good hands with Jordan Howard, who rushed for 1,313 yards as a rookie. The secondary, which managed just eight interceptions in 2016, was remade. Tracy Porter, the Bears’ top cover corner last year, was cut. Veteran corners Prince Amukamara and Marcus Cooper were signed as free agents, as was safety Quintin Demps, who had six interceptions with the Texans in 2016. They’ll get their first test against Matt Ryan and the Falcons in the season opener at Soldier Field on Sept. 10.

> Green Bay Packers
> Predicted 2017 record: 7-9 (tied — 21st)
> 2016 Record: 10-6

The defending NFC North (10-6) champs look for a ninth-straight postseason appearance. The run game has been revamped with the departure of running backs Eddie Lacy (Seahawks) and James Starks (released). Former fullback Ty Montgomery is now a full-time running back and will be joined at times by rookies Jamaal Williams, Devante Mays and Aaron Jones — all late-round draft picks. Right guard T.J. Lang, a long-time mainstay, left for the Lions. Newly acquired tight end Martellus Bennett should be an upgrade over Jared Cook, who left in free agency. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has had time to recover from his breakup with actress Olivia Munn, which is good because the Packers will need his full attention. The late addition of outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks will help shore up the defense, with Clay Matthews looking to rebound from last year. The Packers host the Seahawks on Sept. 10.

> Detroit Lions
> Predicted 2017 record: 6-10 (tied — 25th)
> 2016 Record: 9-7

It’s never a good thing when the line is the weak link in the defense. Yet that’s what it looks like for the Lions, who have made the playoffs two of the last three years. Defensive end Ziggy Ansah, who was disappointing in 2016 with just two sacks, missed most of the preseason with an undisclosed injury but is expected to be ready for Week 1. Defensive linemen Armonty Bryant (four games) and Khyri Thornton (six games) will both be suspended to start the season and defensive end Kerry Hyder is lost for the season with a torn Achilles. The offense should be better than last year with quarterback Matthew Stafford, the NFL’s highest-paid player, leading the way. Although no matter what Stafford does, running backs Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick must stay healthy. Rookie wide receiver Kenny Golladay, a red-zone threat, could become a fan favorite. The Lions open at home on Sept. 10 against the Cardinals.

NFC South

> Atlanta Falcons
> Predicted 2017 record: 12-4 (tied — first)
> 2016 Record: 11-5

The defending NFC champs would like nothing better than to return to the Super Bowl for a second straight year after the monumental collapse against the Patriots in February. Quarterback Matt Ryan, entering his 10th season, has aged like a fine wine. The NFL’s MVP last season, he still has plenty of red zone options, including wide receiver Julio Jones. The defense, ranked 25th in the NFL last season, should get a boost from first-round pick Takkarist McKinley, a defensive end with speed and athleticism. The signing of defensive tackles Dontari Poe and Jack Crawford will add power to the middle. The Falcons face a tough start to the schedule with just three of their first eight games at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The biggest game in the first half of the season will be the rematch with the Patriots on Sunday night, Oct. 22.

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> New Orleans Saints
> Predicted 2017 record: 12-4 (tied — first)
> 2016 Record: 7-9

The big question for the Saints involves the acquisition of Adrian Peterson. How much does the 32-year-old running back have in the tank? He played in just three games in 2016 with the Vikings, with 37 carries for 72 yards. The offense, led by Drew Brees, was the NFL’s best last season, averaging 426 yards per game and could be better this year. Brees, entering his 17th season, has not lost a step, throwing for 5,208 yards in 2016. He’ll have better protection with first-round pick Ryan Ramczyk at left tackle. The defense should automatically improve with the addition of the other first-round pick cornerback Marshon Lattimore, whose solid cover skills were apparent in the preseason. The Saints must survive their early schedule, which has them on the road for three of the first four games. Their home opener on Sept. 17 features the Super Bowl champion Patriots.

> Tampa Bay Buccaneers
> Predicted 2017 record: 8-8 (tied — 13th)
> 2016 Record: 9-7

The Bucs made a big splash in free agency signing two former Redskins, wide receiver DeSean Jackson and defensive tackle Chris Baker; former Cowboys safety J.J. Wilcox; and former Jets kicker Nick Folk. When the Broncos released veteran defensive back T.J. Ward on Sept. 2, the Bucs wasted no time signing him. Will those additions be enough? First-round draft pick O.J. Howard, a tight end, should provide a spark to the offense. Quarterback Jameis Winston enters his third NFL season after leading the Bucs to their first winning season (9-7) in six years. The Bucs open at Miami on Sept. 10 where they’ll face the Dolphins with new quarterback Jay Cutler.

> Carolina Panthers
> Predicted 2017 record: 5-11 (tied — 29th)
> 2016 Record: 6-10

If quarterback Cam Newton has a setback from his offseason rotator cuff surgery, the Panthers are in trouble, like they were in 2016 when they finished 6-10. Newton set a career-low in 2016 with a 52.9 percent completion rate. The core group from 2015, when they went 15-1, returns. Top draft picks running back Christian McCaffrey (first round) and wide receiver Curtis Samuel (second round) should play a large role in improving the offense. Pro Bowl linebacker Luke Kuechly is back and defensive end Julius Peppers and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn were added. Cornerbacks Daryl Worley and James Bradberry should improve in their second season. The five-game stretch in October, with four of those on the road — starting at New England on Oct. 1 — will provide the biggest test. They open at the 49ers on Sept. 10.

NFC West

> Seattle Seahawks
> Predicted 2017 record: 10-6 (tied — fourth)
> 2016 Record: 10-5-1

With the trade that brought defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson into the fold, the Seahawks’ solid defense just became scary strong. Richardson will be on the line with defensive ends Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett and Frank Clark. The addition of Richardson should more than make up for the loss of wide receiver Jermaine Kearse, who was sent to the Jets in the deal. Offensively Eddie Lacy, who was signed as free agent from the Packers, and Thomas Rawls could be the starters at running back, but seventh-round pick Chris Carson opened eyes through the preseason. Quarterback Russell Wilson threw for a career-high 4,219 yards in 2016. It will be a tough start to the season at Green Bay on Sept. 10, and four of their first six on the road.

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> Arizona Cardinals
> Predicted 2017 record: 10-6 (tied — fourth)
> 2016 Record: 7-8-1

The Cardinals’ defense, which was second-best in the NFL last year allowing just 305.2 yards per game, took a huge hit losing five key players — safety Tony Jefferson, defensive tackle Calais Campbell, cornerback Marcus Cooper, safety D.J. Swearinger and linebacker Kevin Minter. Linebacker Karlos Dansby and safety Antoine Bethea were signed to help fill holes. The key is to get the best from safety Tyrann Mathieu and defensive end Robert Nkemdiche, who should take a step forward in his second season. Much is expected from linebacker Haason Reddick, the first-round pick. Outside linebackers Chandler Jones (11) and Markus Golden (12.5) each were in double-digits for sacks in 2016 and there’s no reason to think they won’t do it again. Quarterback Carson Palmer, 37, enters his 14th NFL season and has shown no signs of losing his touch. He had the second-best yards per game stat (282.2 yards) of his career in 2016. Of course it helps that he has wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and J.J. Nelson, along with running back David Johnson. There are big changes, but the Cardinals should improve on their 7-8-1 record in 2016. They open at the Lions on Sept. 10.

> San Francisco 49ers
> Predicted 2017 record: 6-10 (tied — 25th)
> 2016 Record: 2-14

After winning just six games in the last two seasons combined, there is nowhere to go but up. Now under Kyle Shanahan, the fourth new coach in four years, and GM John Lynch, the rebuilding has begun yet again. Quarterback Brian Hoyer worked with Shanahan in Cleveland so the two know each other. Lynch targeted the defense in the draft, taking defensive end Solomon Thomas and linebacker Reuben Foster in the first round. Injury questions surrounded Foster, which is why he fell to the 31st pick. If his strong preseason showing is any indication, the lousy defense just improved exponentially. Four of their first six games are on the road, so a good start is key. The 49ers open at home against the Panthers on Sept. 10.

> Los Angeles Rams
> Predicted 2017 record: 4-12 (the worst)
> 2016 Record: 4-12

The season’s success rests on the shoulders of quarterback Jared Goff and new coach Sean McVay, who at age 31 is the youngest head coach in NFL history. McVay helped in Kirk Cousins’ development with the Washington Redskins so he could be the perfect coach for Goff, who played seven games as a rookie. Goff completed 75 percent of his passes in preseason games and he has a new target in wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who was acquired in a trade with the Bills. Changes were made after a 4-12 season in 2016, but it could take time to get the Rams back on a winning track. They open at home against the Colts on Sept. 10.

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