i dont think anyone here feels we have a favorable schedule...we have the hardest 4 game stretch in NFL history (average of 4 teams at 13-4 from last year), 4 thursday games, we have a near the top SOS and we start the year against the defending superbowl champs.
THe only good thing in our schedule is we don't have any late very cold weather games (NY or Wash are moderate compared to a KC/GB/Philly late year game).
If this team improves its going to be bc
1) They have gotten younger and added talent
2) Their new coaching schemes are effective AND the players pick up on them fast
3) We stay healthy(ish), injuries will happen but we cant lose tons of starters and expect to improve.