This is an increase of one game versus prior season playoff teams compared to last season's schedule... Of course, two of these matchups are versus division rival Seattle, currently appearing as one of the weaker squads heading into '11.

Other potentially competitive matchups include; @Washington week 2, New York Giants in week 4, @Minnesota in week 5, St. Louis in week 9, @San Francisco in week 11, @St. Louis in week 12, and Dallas in week 13.

Of course there are easier contests including Carolina in week 1, Cleveland in week 15, and @Cincinnati in week 16.

As mentioned, the overall winning % of this season's competition dating back to last year is low. However, one must consider how the competition stacks up in relation to the Cardinals, who are not the strongest team on paper themselves having a negative net point differential of 145 in the prior campaign... Although fans hope the gap will close substantially with new QB Kevin Kolb acquired in a steeply priced trade with Philadelphia.

Furthermore, consider Dallas was (6-10) last season, but with Romo injured. The (6-10) Vikings will suit up newly acquired QB Donovan McNabb. The (6-10) Redskins look much improved this preseason. The same can be said for the (7-9) Rams. On the plus side (7-9) Seattle appears to be in rough shape.

Record Projection:
In 2011 we project the 'Cards to go (5-11), matching last season's win total, and thus falling shy of the 2011 Las Vegas season win total of 6.5.

The 2011 Cardinals might be viewed as an improved team offensively, but defensive improvement is also needed.

Furthermore, the seemingly easy schedule on paper appears more challenging than first meets the eye.

If Kolb and Fitzgerald can find the end zone consistently, there could be some upside to this projection.

Of course there's always the chance injuries could wreak havoc for Arizona in the other direction.

To get FootballLOCKS.com's favorite season win totals picks, sign up here.

Updates:
Revisit this prediction page for any potential preseason upgrades or downgrades to the 2011 Arizona Cardinals season record forecast & outlook. This 2011 NFL projection will be "frozen" before the '11 season officially kicks off... Once the regular season begins, you can track in season, rolling NFL win total standings picks here.

Get FootballLOCKS.com's Weekly NFL Game Predictions:
Receive FootballLOCKS.com's 2011 NFL predictions each week for use in your office football betting pool, NFL pick'em, or other purposes such as wagering in Las Vegas. Click here now for details.

Note, in past seasons at FootballLOCKS.com, we posted preseason forecasts & predictions for every game on the schedule... Now FootballLOCKS.com is instead offering current, in season weekly point spread predictions plus weekly pick'em predictions for a very small fee so affordable that even if you're just playing in an office pool, it may be worth your while to join... Sign up here.

Top Ranked Plays And Football Pool Selections:
Upon subscribing you'll get picks for your football pool each week of your membership during the regular season in all games (made two ways) against the spread (ATS) and pick'em.

You'll also get FootballLOCKS.com's top ranked ATS predictions of the week, plus top ranked over/unders and weekly teasers.

If you're not absolutely 100% satisfied for any reason, FootballLOCKS.com will extend your subscription to cover an identical amount of time absolutely free (see details at bottom of ordering page). Click now to view subscription options.

NFL Season Win Totals:
Naturally, one goal of the 2011 NFL team record prognostications as seen above is to create a guide for assessing and/or betting on 2011 NFL season win totals listed by Las Vegas NFL odds makers during the preseason.

If you order a subscription before the season begins, you'll get full access to all of FootballLOCKS.com's favorite regular season NFL win totals picks listed in the member area. Otherwise if you sign up after, you still receive all of FootballLOCKS.com's week to week NFL plays for the duration of your subscription. So get a pass for FootballLOCKS.com's best weekly NFL point spread picks and more types of plays against Las Vegas NFL latest lines than you can shake a stick at.

It's almost like you're getting free NFL predictions... Why? Because all you have to do is claim you weren't completely satisfied (even if you were actually 100% satisfied with the package) and you get double time on the house, no questions asked. Sign up now for FootballLOCKS.com.