The NFL arguably has the largest range of teams that have different strength of schedules. With only 17 games, and only 14 opponents in a regular season, an NFL team is actually more likely NOT to play a team than they are to play one when looking at the 32 teams in the league.
Because of that, the SOS can vary greatly, unlike the NBA (82 games and play every team), MLB (164 games and play every team) and NHL (82 games, play each team at least twice). Sure, a strong division in MLB may help a particular team versus a team in a tougher division, but overall, the variance between teams is somewhat limited.
Now that the NFL schedule is officially released, which team has the easiest schedule, and which has the toughest? First let’s look at how a schedule is made.
How a Schedule is Determined
Here’s a breakdown of how each team’s opponents are set: This is according to the official NFL website.
- Six games against divisional opponents — two games per team, one at home and one on the road.
- Four games against teams from a division within its conference — two games at home and two on the road.
- Four games against teams from a division in the other conference— two games at home and two on the road.
- Two games against teams from the two remaining divisions in its own conference — one game at home and one on the road. Matchups are based on division ranking from the previous season.
- The 17th game is an additional game against a non-conference opponent from a division that the team is not scheduled to play. Matchups are based on division ranking from the previous season.
NFL Team With the Easiest Schedule
There are still a few factors that could change before the start of the season, but with most of the blockbuster trades, NFL Draft, and extension signings already have taken place, for the most part, the rosters are pretty set.
The Atlanta Falcons have by far the easiest schedule in 2024. Although they will start off with a tough stretch of games that include playing at the Eagles and hosting Kansas City, overall, the schedule is very manageable, particularly after their BYE week in week 12.
The Falcons finish with:
- San Diego Chargers (5-12)
- At Minnesota Vikings (7-10)
- At Las Vegas Raiders (8-9)
- New York Giants (6-11)
- At Washington Commanders (4-13)
- Carolina Panthers (2-15) – Also play in Week 6
If the Falcons are anywhere near (.500) when they come out of their BYE week, it’s very possible for the Falcons not only to make the Playoffs, but be the top team in the NFC South.
Other teams with easy schedules: Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints
Team With the Toughest Schedule
The Baltimore Ravens have by far the toughest schedule. Not only do they have the second highest opponent record from last year (.536), but their early season games are absolutely brutal. Here is a look at their first five games:
- At Kansas City Chiefs (Super Bowl Champs)
- Las Vegas Raiders (8-9)
- At Dallas Cowboys (12-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-6)
- At Cincinnati Bengals (9-8) – But with Joe Burrow back healthy.
There is a very real scenario where Baltimore starts off the season 1-4 and still makes the playoffs. The rest of their schedule will ease up (although they do have to play the Bengals again, and play the Philadelphia Eagles), but the team can’t get down too bad if they have a rough start.
Other teams with tough schedules: Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers
