The NFL is a league of parity, where any team can beat any other team on any given Sunday. However, some teams have a more difficult schedule than others, which can make it harder for them to make the playoffs or win a Super Bowl. The 2024 NFL season is still a long way away, but we can already start to get an idea of which teams will have the toughest schedules.
The strength of schedule for each team is determined by the combined winning percentage of their opponents. A team with a difficult schedule will have to face more teams that are expected to be good, while a team with an easy schedule will have to face more teams that are expected to be bad. The NFL tries to balance the schedule so that each team has a mix of easy and difficult games, but there are always some teams that end up with a more difficult schedule than others.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the teams that are expected to have the toughest schedules in 2024:
Nfl 2024 Strength Of Schedule
Predicting the strength of schedule for the 2024 NFL season is a challenging task, but it can provide valuable insights for fans and analysts. Here are 10 important points to consider:
- Strength of opponents
- Divisional matchups
- Home and away games
- Recent performance
- Injuries and roster changes
- Coaching changes
- Schedule quirks
- Playoff implications
- Wild card contenders
- Potential surprises
By considering these factors, we can start to get a better understanding of which teams will have the toughest schedules in 2024. This information can be useful for making informed decisions about fantasy football drafts and for predicting which teams are most likely to make the playoffs.
Strength of opponents
The strength of a team’s opponents is one of the most important factors in determining their strength of schedule. A team with a difficult schedule will have to face more teams that are expected to be good, while a team with an easy schedule will have to face more teams that are expected to be bad.
There are a few different ways to measure the strength of a team’s opponents. One way is to look at their winning percentage from the previous season. Another way is to look at their projected win total for the upcoming season. A third way is to look at their roster and coaching staff and try to assess how good they are.
No matter how you measure it, the strength of a team’s opponents is a key factor in determining their strength of schedule. A team with a difficult schedule will have to be more consistent and play at a higher level in order to make the playoffs or win a Super Bowl.
Here are some of the teams that are expected to have the toughest schedules in 2024 based on the strength of their opponents:
- Buffalo Bills
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Philadelphia Eagles
- San Francisco 49ers
These teams will all have to face a number of tough opponents in 2024, which will make it difficult for them to make the playoffs or win a Super Bowl.
It is important to note that the strength of a team’s opponents can change from year to year. This is because of factors such as injuries, roster changes, and coaching changes. As a result, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest news and analysis when trying to predict which teams will have the toughest schedules in 2024.
Divisional matchups
Divisional matchups are another important factor in determining a team’s strength of schedule. A team with a difficult divisional schedule will have to face more tough opponents on a regular basis, while a team with an easy divisional schedule will have more opportunities to win games.
The NFL is divided into four divisions: the AFC East, AFC North, AFC South, AFC West, NFC East, NFC North, NFC South, and NFC West. Each team plays six games against their divisional opponents each season, three at home and three on the road.
Some divisions are much tougher than others. For example, the AFC West is considered to be the toughest division in the NFL, while the NFC East is considered to be the weakest. This is because the AFC West has four teams that are all expected to be competitive in 2024, while the NFC East has only one team that is expected to be competitive.
Here are some of the teams that are expected to have the toughest divisional schedules in 2024:
- Buffalo Bills (AFC East)
- Kansas City Chiefs (AFC West)
- Cincinnati Bengals (AFC North)
- Philadelphia Eagles (NFC East)
- San Francisco 49ers (NFC West)
These teams will all have to face a number of tough divisional opponents in 2024, which will make it difficult for them to win their division and make the playoffs.
It is important to note that divisional matchups can also change from year to year. This is because the NFL realigns its divisions every few years to ensure that each division is as balanced as possible. As a result, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest news and analysis when trying to predict which teams will have the toughest divisional schedules in 2024.
Home and away games
The number of home and away games a team has can also impact their strength of schedule. A team with more home games will have an advantage, as they will be playing in front of their own fans and in a stadium that they are familiar with.
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More home games can be an advantage
Teams with more home games will have an advantage, as they will be playing in front of their own fans and in a stadium that they are familiar with. This can give them a psychological boost and help them to win more games.
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More away games can be a disadvantage
Teams with more away games will have a disadvantage, as they will be playing in front of hostile crowds and in stadiums that they are not familiar with. This can make it more difficult for them to win games.
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Home field advantage is real
Studies have shown that home field advantage is real and that teams do win more games at home than they do on the road. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including crowd noise, familiarity with the stadium, and travel fatigue.
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The NFL tries to balance the schedule
The NFL tries to balance the schedule so that each team has an equal number of home and away games. However, there are some teams that will always have more home games than away games, and vice versa. This is because of the way that the NFL schedule is structured.
Here are some of the teams that are expected to have the toughest home and away schedules in 2024:
- Buffalo Bills (7 home games, 10 away games)
- Kansas City Chiefs (8 home games, 9 away games)
- Cincinnati Bengals (7 home games, 10 away games)
- Philadelphia Eagles (8 home games, 9 away games)
- San Francisco 49ers (7 home games, 10 away games)
These teams will all have to play more games on the road than at home in 2024, which will make it more difficult for them to win their division and make the playoffs.
Recent performance
A team’s recent performance can also be a factor in determining their strength of schedule. A team that has been performing well in recent years is likely to have a more difficult schedule than a team that has been performing poorly.
There are a few reasons for this. First, the NFL tries to balance the schedule so that each team has an equal chance of making the playoffs. This means that teams that have been performing well will be scheduled to play more tough opponents than teams that have been performing poorly.
Second, teams that have been performing well are more likely to be ranked higher in the polls. This means that they will be more likely to be selected to play in primetime games and on the road. This can make it more difficult for them to win games.
Here are some of the teams that are expected to have the toughest schedules in 2024 based on their recent performance:
- Buffalo Bills (13-3 record in 2022)
- Kansas City Chiefs (12-5 record in 2022)
- Cincinnati Bengals (12-4 record in 2022)
- Philadelphia Eagles (14-3 record in 2022)
- San Francisco 49ers (13-4 record in 2022)
These teams all had strong records in 2022, which means that they are likely to be scheduled to play more tough opponents in 2024.
It is important to note that recent performance is not the only factor that determines a team’s strength of schedule. Other factors, such as strength of opponents, divisional matchups, and home and away games, also play a role. However, recent performance can be a good indicator of how difficult a team’s schedule will be in the upcoming season.
Injuries and roster changes
Injuries and roster changes can also impact a team’s strength of schedule. A team that is dealing with a lot of injuries or roster turnover will have a more difficult time winning games than a team that is healthy and has a stable roster.
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Injuries can deplete a team’s depth
Injuries can deplete a team’s depth and make it more difficult for them to compete with other teams. This is especially true for teams that have a lot of injuries to key players.
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Roster turnover can make it difficult for a team to gel
Roster turnover can make it difficult for a team to gel and develop chemistry. This is especially true for teams that have a lot of new players in key roles.
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Injuries and roster changes can be unpredictable
Injuries and roster changes can be unpredictable, which can make it difficult for teams to plan for the upcoming season. This is why it is important for teams to have a strong depth chart and be prepared for anything.
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The NFL has a salary cap
The NFL has a salary cap, which limits the amount of money that teams can spend on player salaries. This can make it difficult for teams to keep all of their best players, which can lead to roster turnover.
Here are some of the teams that are expected to have the toughest schedules in 2024 due to injuries and roster changes:
- Baltimore Ravens (lost several key players to free agency and injury in 2023)
- Dallas Cowboys (have a number of key players who are entering the final year of their contracts)
- Green Bay Packers (lost Davante Adams to free agency in 2023)
- Los Angeles Rams (lost several key players to free agency and injury in 2023)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (have a number of key players who are getting older and may not be as productive in 2024)
These teams all have a number of question marks surrounding their rosters, which could make it difficult for them to win games in 2024.
Coaching changes
Coaching changes can also impact a team’s strength of schedule. A team that is getting a new coach will have to learn a new system and adjust to a new way of doing things. This can take some time, and it can make it difficult for the team to win games in the short term.
There are a few reasons why coaching changes can impact a team’s strength of schedule.
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It takes time for a new coach to implement their system
It takes time for a new coach to implement their system and get their players to buy in. This can lead to a period of adjustment, during which the team may struggle to win games.
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A new coach may bring in new players
A new coach may bring in new players who are familiar with their system. This can lead to roster turnover, which can make it difficult for the team to gel.
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A new coach may change the team’s playing style
A new coach may change the team’s playing style, which can take some time for the players to adjust to. This can also lead to a period of adjustment, during which the team may struggle to win games.
Here are some of the teams that are expected to have the toughest schedules in 2024 due to coaching changes:
- Arizona Cardinals (hired Jonathan Gannon as their new head coach in 2023)
- Carolina Panthers (hired Frank Reich as their new head coach in 2023)
- Denver Broncos (hired Sean Payton as their new head coach in 2023)
- Houston Texans (hired DeMeco Ryans as their new head coach in 2023)
- Indianapolis Colts (hired Shane Steichen as their new head coach in 2023)
These teams all have new head coaches in 2023, which means that they will have to learn a new system and adjust to a new way of doing things. This could make it difficult for them to win games in 2024.
It is important to note that coaching changes are not always a bad thing. Sometimes, a new coach can bring in a fresh perspective and help a team to improve. However, it is important to be aware of the potential challenges that coaching changes can create.
Schedule quirks
Schedule quirks can also impact a team’s strength of schedule. A team that has a lot of back-to-back games or a lot of games against teams in different time zones may have a more difficult time winning games than a team that has a more balanced schedule.
There are a few different types of schedule quirks that can make a team’s schedule more difficult.
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Back-to-back games
Back-to-back games are games that are played on consecutive days. These games can be very difficult for players, as they have less time to recover and prepare for the next game.
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Games against teams in different time zones
Games against teams in different time zones can also be difficult for players, as they have to adjust to a new sleep schedule and deal with jet lag.
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Long road trips
Long road trips can also be difficult for players, as they have to spend a lot of time traveling and away from their families.
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Short weeks
Short weeks are weeks in which a team has less than a week to prepare for their next game. These weeks can be very difficult for players, as they have less time to rest and recover.
Here are some of the teams that are expected to have the toughest schedules in 2024 due to schedule quirks:
- Buffalo Bills (have three back-to-back games in 2024)
- Dallas Cowboys (have four games against teams in different time zones in 2024)
- Green Bay Packers (have a long road trip to London in 2024)
- Kansas City Chiefs (have a short week in 2024)
- Philadelphia Eagles (have three back-to-back games in 2024)
These teams all have some challenging schedule quirks in 2024, which could make it difficult for them to win games.
It is important to note that schedule quirks are not always a bad thing. Sometimes, a team can use a challenging schedule to their advantage and surprise people. However, it is important to be aware of the potential challenges that schedule quirks can create.
Playoff implications
A team’s strength of schedule can have a big impact on their playoff implications. A team with a difficult schedule will have to win more games against tough opponents in order to make the playoffs. This can be a challenge, especially for teams that are not as talented as some of the other teams in their division or conference.
There are a few different ways that a team’s strength of schedule can impact their playoff chances.
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It can make it more difficult to win the division
A team with a difficult schedule will have a more difficult time winning their division. This is because they will have to play more tough opponents, and they will have less margin for error.
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It can make it more difficult to get a wild card berth
A team with a difficult schedule will also have a more difficult time getting a wild card berth. This is because they will have to compete with other teams that have more favorable schedules.
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It can make it more difficult to have a high playoff seed
A team with a difficult schedule will also have a more difficult time getting a high playoff seed. This is because they will have to win more games against tough opponents, and they will have less margin for error.
Here are some of the teams that are expected to have the toughest schedules in 2024 based on playoff implications:
- Buffalo Bills (have a difficult schedule and are in a tough division)
- Kansas City Chiefs (have a difficult schedule and are in a tough division)
- Cincinnati Bengals (have a difficult schedule and are in a tough division)
- Philadelphia Eagles (have a difficult schedule and are in a tough division)
- San Francisco 49ers (have a difficult schedule and are in a tough division)
These teams all have difficult schedules and are in tough divisions, which will make it difficult for them to make the playoffs in 2024.
It is important to note that a team’s strength of schedule is not the only factor that determines their playoff chances. Other factors, such as injuries, roster changes, and coaching changes, can also play a role. However, a team’s strength of schedule can be a good indicator of how difficult it will be for them to make the playoffs.
Wild card contenders
A team’s strength of schedule can also impact their chances of being a wild card contender. A team with a difficult schedule will have to win more games against tough opponents in order to earn a wild card berth. This can be a challenge, but it is not impossible.
There are a few different ways that a team with a difficult schedule can still be a wild card contender.
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They can play well against the teams that they are supposed to beat
A team with a difficult schedule can still be a wild card contender if they play well against the teams that they are supposed to beat. This means winning the games that they are favored to win and avoiding any major upsets.
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They can take advantage of their schedule quirks
A team with a difficult schedule can also take advantage of their schedule quirks to their advantage. This means winning games that they are not supposed to win and avoiding any major losses.
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They can get hot at the right time
A team with a difficult schedule can also get hot at the right time and make a run at the playoffs. This means winning several games in a row and building momentum.
Here are some of the teams that are expected to be wild card contenders in 2024 despite having difficult schedules:
- Baltimore Ravens
- Dallas Cowboys
- Green Bay Packers
- Los Angeles Rams
- Pittsburgh Steelers
These teams all have difficult schedules, but they also have the talent and experience to be wild card contenders in 2024.
It is important to note that a team’s strength of schedule is not the only factor that determines their chances of being a wild card contender. Other factors, such as injuries, roster changes, and coaching changes, can also play a role. However, a team’s strength of schedule can be a good indicator of how difficult it will be for them to make the playoffs.
Potential surprises
Every year, there are a few teams that surprise people and make the playoffs. These teams are often overlooked in the preseason, but they end up proving that they are better than people thought.
There are a few different reasons why a team might be a potential surprise in 2024.
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They have a lot of young talent
Teams with a lot of young talent can be potential surprises because they have the potential to improve quickly. This is especially true if the team has a good coaching staff that can help the young players develop.
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They have a favorable schedule
Teams with a favorable schedule can be potential surprises because they have an easier path to the playoffs. This is especially true if the team has a lot of home games and plays against weaker opponents.
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They have a good coaching staff
Teams with a good coaching staff can be potential surprises because they are able to get the most out of their players. This is especially true if the coaching staff is able to motivate the players and keep them focused.
Here are some of the teams that are potential surprises in 2024:
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
- Detroit Lions
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- New York Jets
These teams all have the potential to surprise people in 2024. They have a lot of young talent, a favorable schedule, and a good coaching staff. If they can stay healthy and avoid major injuries, they could all be playoff contenders in 2024.
It is important to note that these are just a few of the teams that could be potential surprises in 2024. There are many other teams that could also surprise people. The NFL is a league of parity, and any team can make the playoffs if they play well.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2024 NFL season:
Question 1: Which teams are expected to have the toughest schedules in 2024?
Answer: The teams expected to have the toughest schedules in 2024 are the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers.
Question 2: What factors determine a team’s strength of schedule?
Answer: The strength of a team’s schedule is determined by a number of factors, including the strength of their opponents, their divisional matchups, the number of home and away games they have, their recent performance, injuries and roster changes, coaching changes, and schedule quirks.
Question 3: How can a team’s strength of schedule impact their playoff chances?
Answer: A team’s strength of schedule can impact their playoff chances in a number of ways. A team with a difficult schedule will have to win more games against tough opponents in order to make the playoffs. This can be a challenge, especially for teams that are not as talented as some of the other teams in their division or conference.
Question 4: Which teams are potential wild card contenders in 2024?
Answer: Some teams that are potential wild card contenders in 2024 include the Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Question 5: Which teams are potential surprises in 2024?
Answer: Some teams that are potential surprises in 2024 include the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New York Jets.
Question 6: When will the 2024 NFL season start?
Answer: The 2024 NFL season is scheduled to start on September 8, 2024.
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These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the 2024 NFL season. As the season gets closer, more information will be released and we will have a better idea of which teams are contenders and which teams are pretenders.
In addition to the FAQ section above, here are some tips for staying up-to-date on the latest news and analysis about the 2024 NFL season:
- Follow your favorite teams and players on social media.
- Read NFL news and analysis websites and blogs.
- Listen to NFL podcasts.
- Watch NFL highlights and analysis shows.
Tips
Here are a few tips for staying up-to-date on the latest news and analysis about the 2024 NFL season and making the most of the information available about the NFL 2024 Strength of Schedule:
Tip 1: Use a variety of sources to gather information.
Don’t rely on just one source for your NFL news and analysis. Use a variety of sources, including NFL news websites and blogs, podcasts, and social media. This will help you get a more well-rounded view of the league and the upcoming season.
Tip 2: Pay attention to strength of schedule.
When evaluating teams, pay attention to their strength of schedule. A team with a difficult schedule will have to win more games against tough opponents in order to make the playoffs. This information can be helpful for making informed decisions about fantasy football drafts and for predicting which teams are most likely to make the playoffs.
Tip 3: Consider all of the factors that can impact a team’s strength of schedule.
When evaluating a team’s strength of schedule, consider all of the factors that can impact it. This includes the strength of their opponents, their divisional matchups, the number of home and away games they have, their recent performance, injuries and roster changes, coaching changes, and schedule quirks. This will give you a more complete picture of how difficult a team’s schedule really is.
Tip 4: Don’t be afraid to make bold predictions.
The NFL is a league of parity, and any team can make the playoffs if they play well. Don’t be afraid to make bold predictions about which teams will surprise people in 2024. Just be sure to base your predictions on solid evidence and analysis.
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By following these tips, you can stay up-to-date on the latest news and analysis about the 2024 NFL season and make informed decisions about your fantasy football team and your predictions for the upcoming season.
Now that you have a better understanding of the NFL 2024 Strength of Schedule, you can use this information to make more informed decisions about your fantasy football team and your predictions for the upcoming season. Be sure to stay up-to-date on the latest news and analysis, and don’t be afraid to make bold predictions.
Conclusion
The 2024 NFL season is still a long way away, but it is never too early to start thinking about which teams will have the toughest schedules. By considering factors such as the strength of opponents, divisional matchups, home and away games, recent performance, injuries and roster changes, coaching changes, and schedule quirks, we can get a better idea of which teams will have to overcome the most adversity in order to make the playoffs.
There are a number of teams that are expected to have difficult schedules in 2024, including the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers. These teams will all have to play a number of tough opponents, and they will have to be at their best in order to make the playoffs.
However, there are also a number of teams that could surprise people in 2024. Teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New York Jets all have the potential to make the playoffs if they can stay healthy and play to their potential.
The 2024 NFL season is sure to be an exciting one, and there are a number of teams that could make a run to the Super Bowl. Be sure to stay up-to-date on the latest news and analysis, and don’t be afraid to make bold predictions.
Closing Message:
The NFL is a league of parity, and any team can make the playoffs if they play well. The 2024 season is sure to be full of surprises, so be sure to enjoy the ride.