Success is something that we all strive for. For some of us, it comes easier than others. One factor that may help or hurt your chances is each team’s strength of schedule. A team with an easier projected strength of schedule is more likely to sneak out more wins than they are used to, and the same on the other end of the spectrum. Teams with tough SoS will have a more difficult time, so a drop in their average season win total may occur.
The most difficult schedules belong to the ENTIRE AFC East. This can be attributed to them having to play the stingy AFC North, with the Ravens, Steelers, and Browns being tough games. Don’t sleep on the Bengals either, as they were big spenders in FA and may sneak in some wins they may normally lose. The NFC North may also have a rough time, as those teams face off against the AFC East and NFC East, which many say are the two toughest divisions.
On the other side, the Falcons, Seahawks and Texans look to have schedules that are favorable to turn things around. The NFC South is a tossup each season, and it would not surprise anyone to see the Falcons go from the worst team in the division to fighting for the division title.
One other factor to look at is how much increase/decrease this season’s SoS is compared to last years. Teams who continually win their division will more likely have a tough schedule every year. Looking at the difference between years is more helpful in showing who is more likely to jump up/ fall down from last year’s records.
Apparently the NFC North had an easy schedule last season, as all 4 teams find themselves in the top 6. I would not be surprised to see the winner of this division only getting 9-10 wins. The poor Bengals…. They spend heavily in FA and trading, only to get a tougher schedule this season. Moji and the Bills will have a tough time and I see them as a wild card contender, as long as the Jets don’t slip up too much. This may also be the year the Jags give way to the Titans or Colts for their division title.
The AFC West gets some breathing room, as their schedules have gotten softer this season (aside from the Raiders). I expect Oakland to fall from the heavens to a top 15 pick this upcoming draft. Sorry Raiders fans, I hope you enjoyed your ride at the top.
Now this isn’t something that should be too heavily relied on. Teams have improved/digressed since last year, so teams we expect to be average may have figured it all out and will make a run. But….. if you have an easy schedule and you perform poorly, look in the mirror for the person you should blame. Or blame Madden (“It’s not my fault!”). You do you.
