As the NFL gears up for another thrilling season, the anticipation surrounding the upcoming matchups is palpable. With the schedule release just around the corner, fans are buzzing about which teams will face the toughest paths to success in 2020. In this article, we will dissect the strength of schedule (SOS) for each NFL team, focusing on the challenges and opportunities that await them based on last year’s standings. So, grab your popcorn, as we delve into an exciting season ahead!
Understanding Strength of Schedule
Strength of schedule is a crucial metric in evaluating a team’s prospects for success in an upcoming season. It’s calculated based on the combined win-loss records of the opponents a team will face. A higher SOS indicates a team will encounter tougher competition, while a lower SOS suggests a more favorable set of opponents. This year, the league has positioned certain teams for a real uphill battle, while others may find themselves with an easier route.
The Toughest Roads Ahead: New England Patriots
After years of speculation about the New England Patriots’ path of least resistance, the tables have turned. In 2020, the Patriots will encounter the most challenging schedule in the NFL, featuring a formidable SOS of .537. This stark reality has left many fans wondering how head coach Bill Belichick will adapt, especially with a new quarterback in the mix.
The Patriots face a gauntlet of seven games against playoff teams from the previous year, including matchups with the Buffalo Bills (twice), Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks. Notably, the Patriots will take on both Super Bowl LIV contenders, the Kansas City Chiefs and the 49ers, adding to the difficulty of their season. With every game posing a potential challenge, it will be interesting to watch how the team navigates this treacherous path.
The New York Jets: Close Contenders
Next in line, the New York Jets aren’t far behind, holding the second-most difficult schedule in the league. With an SOS of .533, the Jets’ outlook for the upcoming season mirrors the uphill battle their AFC East counterpart faces. This intense competition may lead to an explosive season, allowing for significant growth and development from the young players on the roster.
The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills: Struggling With Tough Opponents
The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills also find themselves entrenched in a challenging schedule. The Dolphins possess an SOS of .529, while the Bills sit with the fifth-most difficult path. Both teams will need to step up their performances significantly if they hope to carve a successful path amid an onslaught of tough competition from the AFC East.
A Division of Easy Roads: AFC North
In stark contrast to the AFC East, the AFC North teams are looking at a notably easier road ahead. Collectively, the division ranks as one of the weakest in terms of schedule difficulty, with the Baltimore Ravens enjoying a staggering SOS of just .437—the easiest in the NFL! The Ravens have shown strong potential, and with their manageable schedule, they may very well repeat as division champions.
In addition to the Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers (.457), Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Bengals also benefit from favorable matchups within their division. With the Bengals poised to potentially boost their win total if quarterback Joe Burrow is selected as the first overall pick, the AFC North may surprise many this season.
Spotlight on the NFC: Dallas Cowboys’ Favorable Chances
When examining the NFC, the Dallas Cowboys emerge as a team with a significant opportunity for success this upcoming season. Under new head coach Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys face an SOS of .459, marking it as the least difficult schedule among NFC teams. With talented offensive weapons at their disposal, the Cowboys could make a serious run for the playoffs if they capitalize on their advantageous matchups.
Super Bowl LIV Teams: Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers
The path for the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs appears manageable, with a balanced SOS of .500, suggesting they could have a strong chance of repeating their championship success. The 49ers, however, will encounter a tougher season, facing the fourth-most difficult schedule. With challenges such as matches against other first-place teams like the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints, the 49ers must be prepared to brace for battle.
Formula Behind the Scheduling
The NFL schedules are crafted using a specific formula, designed to ensure balance and fairness across the league. Each team plays 16 games as follows:
- Home and Away Games Against Division Rivals: Six games are split evenly based on the three division opponents.
- Inter-Division Games: Four games against another division within the same conference on a rotating three-year cycle.
- Games Against Opponents from the Other Conference: Four games following a rotating four-year cycle.
- Intra-Conference Games: Two games against teams that finished in the same standings from the previous season.
This well-structured approach ensures that every team, regardless of their previous standing, will battle against various degrees of competition.
Conclusion
The 2020 NFL season promises to be riveting, filled with surprises and intense rivalries. From the arduous road ahead for the Patriots to the anticipated success of the Ravens and Cowboys, the dynamics of the strength of schedule will play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of this season’s battles on the field. Keep an eye on these teams, as their success may not only depend on skill but also on their ability to navigate the challenging waters presented by their schedules.
Ready your game day snacks, gather your friends, and mark your calendars, because the NFL action is about to kick off in thrilling fashion!
