NFL Strength of Schedule for All 32 Teams: Ranking the Easiest, Hardest Slates

The final tentpole event of the NFL offseason is the release of the 2026 schedule. While I have contended that the schedule release is mostly useless from a fantasy perspective, at least in terms of FPA (Fantasy Points Allowed) data because it can change so drastically from one season to the next, the data is still worth noting if for no other reason than information.

So, let’s take a look at which teams have the easiest and toughest schedules. I’ve included two methods for mining this data. First is a ranking based on the combined winning percentages of each team’s 2026 opponents based on 2025 data which is also flawed because so many “bad” teams from last year will be better this season … think about the Patriots in '24 vs. '25.

I have also included the data from Sharp Football Analysis, which uses each team’s opponent’s projected 2026 win percentage based on Vegas totals to determine the best and worst slates.

Easiest NFL schedule (combined)

The Browns have the easiest slate based on opponent’s winning percentage alone, but they’re fourth based on Sharp’s projected numbers. If we combined the two lists, however, it’s the Saints who have the easiest schedule (ranked second based on both lists). That’s great news for the value of Tyler Shough, Travis Etienne Jr., Chris Olave and rookie wideout Jordan Tyson.

The Bengals, ranked third on both lists, also have a very favorable schedule. With all the stars on their roster, this is obviously even more reason to draft players like Joe Burrow, Chase Brown, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. In the case of Chase, this could be a reason to take him ahead of Puka Nacua, as the Rams have a tougher slate based on both lists.

Toughest NFL schedule (combined)

The Bears have the toughest slate based on the combined winning percentages of their 2026 opponents from '25, but Sharp has them ranked as the sixth-toughest (27th). Based on both lists, it’s the Dolphins who have the worst schedule (they’re 31st in each list). That’s not bad news in fantasy, at least aside from Malik Willis and De’Von Achane, as Miami’s roster is devoid of great (or even good options) from a fantasy football perspective.

The Cardinals also have a tough slate, as they’re tied for 29th based on 2025 winning percentage and dead last (32nd) based on Sharp’s data. This won’t hurt the stock of rookie Jeremiyah Love or Trey McBride much, but it’s another reason to expect regression from Jacoby Brissett.

Finally, let's look at the actual numbers. On the left, you'll see the rank based on 2025 combined winning percentage. On the right, you'll see the rankings based on Sharp Analysis. Both lists are in order from easiest to hardest schedules based on individual parameters.

Again, you can use this information as a useful guide, but it should not be considered some sort of be all, end all determination of a player's fantasy football value. As we've learned, that's a flawed theory.

2026 NFL Strength of Schedule vs. Sharp Football

Rk - Opp. Win %	Team	Opp. Win %	Rk - Sharp	Team
1	Browns	.429	1	Lions
2	Saints	.434	2	Saints
3	Bengals	.450	3	Bengals
T-4	Colts	.465	4	Browns
T-4	Falcons	.465	5	Jets
6	Lions	.467	6	Ravens
7	Texans	.474	7	Eagles
8	Titans	.476	8	49ers
9	Ravens	.479	9	Colts
10	Eagles	.481	10	Chiefs
11	Jaguars	.490	11	Broncos
12	Buccaneers	.491	12	Patriots
13	Cowboys	.493	13	Titans
14	Steelers	.495	14	Bills
15	49ers	.497	15	Jaguars
16	Giants	.498	16	Vikings
17	Commanders	.502	17	Packers
18	Broncos	.512	18	Steelers
19	Seahawks	.514	19	Raiders
20	Rams	.516	20	Falcons
21	Jets	.517	21	Chargers
22	Vikings	.519	22	Seahawks
23	Panthers	.521	23	Buccaneers
24	Chargers	.522	24	Giants
25	Bills	.528	25	Commanders
26	Raiders	.529	26	Rams
27	Patriots	.531	27	Bears
28	Chiefs	.536	28	Rams
T-29	Cardinals	.538	29	Cowboys
T-29	Packers	.538	30	Panthers
31	Dolphins	.542	31	Dolphins
32	Bears	.550	32	Cardinals

More NFL from Sports Illustrated

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