If we lose these next two games, the season is definitely lost. It's dangerously close right now. If we win one, it'll be on life support. If we win both, we might have a shot at rebounding. Looking at the rest of the schedule (these picks are totally hypothetical, and assume Trestman stays on and we don't become injury-riddled)...
Week 6: at New York Giants
Giants aren't that good of a team right now, but obviously we haven't been lately either. This is definitely a game that could go either way - almost definitely a game that is decided 7 or less points once again. If we lose this one we'll be in serious trouble. I think we eke one out here, but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if we lose either. I predict we win something like 20-19. WIN.
Week 7: at New York Jets
Have no excuse to lose this one. Jets just aren't good. Plus, we have a history of beating them. I'm definitely predicting a win here. 24-17. WIN.
Week 8: BYE
Week 9: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are obviously better than us right now, but obviously that doesn't matter when we play them (see 2015). We have had their number lately, and they haven't beat us at home since 2012. I'm going to say we win, by the skin of our teeth. Like the Giants game though, a loss at all would not be surprising. WIN.
Week 10: vs. Cleveland Browns
Like the Jets game, a game we have no reason to lose. Our schedule is somewhat favorable from the Giants game up to this game; my picks have been optimistic thus far, and I'll keep the trend here. WIN.
Week 11: at Dallas Cowboys
I don't see any way we win this game in our current state. We're probably going to suffer our first blowout this season in this game. LOSS.
Week 12: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have been pretty disappointing so far this year, but to be fair, they lost to 3 very good teams. Not to mention, they have owned us lately. They just know how to beat us. LOSS.
Week 13: vs. Miami Dolphins
Dolphins are definitely one of the league's worst teams right now. This is the last game on our schedule that doesn't have me super worried; the next four are doozies. Here, I think we get the victory. WIN
Week 14: at New England Patriots
Talk about a game I'm dreading. We usually play the Patriots well, but I have a feeling this is going to turn ugly like that 2013 regular season game against the Patriots. LOSS.
Week 15: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are certainly a superior team to us. I don't like our chances, but it's still probably our most winnable game in the last quarter of the year. Still, I'm not feeling it. LOSS.
Week 16: at Pittsburgh Steelers
I did say we have had the Steelers' number lately, but I don't think we sweep them two straight years. They get back at us in a Christmas classic and pretty much end our year here. LOSS.
Week 17: at Cincinnati Bengals
So sick of Cincinnati finales. They don't end well. LOSS.
8-8, miss playoffs. 10-6 is our ceiling at this point.