We must start fast to make the playoffs.

[KI Skins Fan]

It is critical that the Skins start fast this season.

The reason is that in the first six weeks we play 4 of the 6 non-division teams on our schedule that we should beat, 3 of them at home. If we’re not at least 4-2 after our 6th game, which is on Oct. 18th, we may be in trouble.

As I see it, we play 6 non-division teams we should beat (Rams, Lions, Bucs, Chiefs, Broncos, and Raiders), 4 non-division teams that should beat us (Carolina, Falcons, Saints, and Chargers), and our division games (which I hope we’ll be able to split 3-3). If we beat 5 of the 6 non-division teams we should beat, steal one game from the 4 non-division teams that should beat us, and split the division games, we finish 9-7. But we may need to finish 10-6 to make the playoffs. So, we may need to find one more win somewhere without giving away any games.

In the first 6 games, we won’t be expected to beat either the Giants or the Panthers at their places. But we also play the Rams, Lions, Bucs, and Chiefs in the first 6 games, all but the Lions at home.

After that, we play 5 of our 6 division games, 3 of the 4 teams that should beat us (2 of them away), and only 2 of the teams we should beat (1 on the road). So, 8 of our final 10 games should be very tough to win. That’s why I think we’d better be at least 4-2 after 6 games if we hope to make the playoffs.