Ok so this is assuming that the lockout will end at some point and that no games will be missed.  Looking at our schedule (and since we don't know when we will play them) how many of the games can we realistically see ourselves winning based on last year and previous years.  I don't just want to see people say oh we can win 10 games or anything like that I want to know the teams.

Home: MIN, GB, CHI, ATL, SD, CAR, KC, SF

Away: GB, MIN, CHI, DAL, DEN, OAK, TB, NO

Now if we are being fair yet still optimistic right now which of these games do we really think we can win? I also heard someone say they really want to see us against the chargers late in the season on MNF I think that is a horrible idea.  SD is nearly unstoppable late in the season every year but last year and horrible at the start of the season including this year (I mean they lost to the rams and seahawks).  So for arguments sake lets say that we split with GB and CHI winning at home and losing on the road and either also split with MIN or sweep them depending on how good (or bad) you think they will be.  Then which other teams can we beat that would give us a chance to get into the playoffs?

My opinion would be as follows:

I think we can beat SD at home if we get them early in the season along with CAR and SF.  KC is a toss up because I don't know if they will take a step forward or backward this off season.  ATL probably won't be as dominant as they were this year and no one in that division seems to win it two years in a row but I am going to count it as a loss.  Which gives us 5 or 6 wins at home next year.

On the road I see us being able beat DEN and OAK as they could lose Nnamdi and have a new coach.  DAL could come back strong or Garret could prove to be a sham I am not sure but I am going to count it as a loss for now but many change my mind depending on their draft.  TB and NO are both toss ups as we don't know how they will do next year.  So on the road that would give us anywhere from 2-4 wins.  That would give us up to 10 wins next year which should be enough to get in the playoffs.  Would love to hear your feedback.