There are two components to the annual NFL schedule release. First, the opponent was announced in January, but that’s only part of the puzzle. after that, timing The tally for each game, released Wednesday night, will provide a true outline of the team’s chances.
The importance of scheduling pacing has never been more evident. With a wild-card playoff spot decided in a game or two, and each division in the NFL depending on a few important games, it’s up to the team to get a well-timed bye week or avoid a tense upset. , which means it could be the difference between a deep playoff. Running and early vacation.
There are some teams in this 2024 NFL schedule that have come out relatively unscathed, but there are also teams that have been completely messed up by the league office.
NFL’s worst schedule
1st place: Pittsburgh Steelers
What did the Steelers do to piss off the NFL? Those with championship dreams in Pittsburgh this year have their hopes up after a disqualification that seemed like a hammer blow to the organization. You’ll need to soften it up.
Everyone knows the AFC North is a dogfight. This is the most competitive division in the league, and any one of the four teams could win and come away with a convincing victory. So balance is on a razor’s edge, and an absolute sick man must have devised the final eight games of the Steelers’ schedule.
Week 11: Baltimore Ravens
Week 12: AT Cleveland Browns, 3 days rest thursday night football
Week 13: AT Cincinnati Bengals, ejected T.N.F.
Week 14: Cleveland Browns
Week 15: AT Philadelphia Eagles
Week 16: AT Baltimore Ravens
Week 17: Kansas City Chiefs take four days off on Christmas Day
Week 18: Cincinnati Bengals
This is hell. Not only is the Steelers’ entire divisional schedule packed into the end of the year after a bye, but it also features games with a light rest period and two of the toughest non-division games.
The Steelers are off to a 9-0 start to the year, and it’s very possible that this last stretch could lead to everything falling apart. That’s simply unfair.
2nd place: New England Patriots
The Patriots are rebuilding in bad shape. What did they do to deserve this?
For a team looking to improve, getting the regular season off to a good start is key. Gaining confidence through a few wins can set you up for a successful season, or vice versa.
The way New England starts the 2024 season, it’s hard to see an odds-on win until Week 9 at the earliest. Let’s see how this team starts this year.
Bengals, Seahawks, Jets, 49ers, Dolphins, Texans, Jaguars, Jets
This situation leaves no room for the team to string together a guaranteed win, and this could be very dangerous for a young team trying to develop a rookie quarterback in Drake Maye. I hate this Patriots schedule and the possibilities it presents.
3rd place: Houston Texans
Houston was a breakout team in 2023, but it’s best to be prepared because life will soon become difficult. We knew the Texans’ schedule would be tough depending on their opponent, but there are several features to this schedule that will make this season a real contender.
They have a ridiculously late bye week, which doesn’t happen until Week 14. That means there will be little room for structure during the season, and a key league-wide realignment week will take place after the NFL trade deadline.
It would also be three prime-time games in a row, making for an uneven schedule as well as too much attention.Texans play Jets thursday night football Week 9, then the Lions take a short rest sunday night footballthen the Cowboys monday night football.
If you’re trying to fly under the radar like in 2023, that means a lot of distractions at once.
NFL’s best schedule
1st place: Atlanta Falcons
There’s no doubt that Atlanta will have a tough start to the year against the Steelers, Eagles, and Chiefs, but it’s all gravy from there.
Once the Falcons finish their first month, the schedule has been incredibly easy for them, with few rough patches or difficult back-to-backs. Their only short games are against the Saints, Buccaneers, and Panthers, all of which should be very easy games, meaning they are in a good position to make the playoffs.
Combine this with the Week 12 bye coming at a very ideal time, and all the ingredients are in place for a strong showing.
2nd place: Carolina Panthers
The Panthers’ biggest benefit in terms of schedule is something they don’t have: schedule adversity. This is far from the easiest collection of teams in the league, but it’s a distraction-free schedule that’s perfect for a rebuild.
No primetime games or short turnarounds, just a lot of consistent Sunday football with perfect midseason byes. Based on schedule construction alone, I’m pretty bullish on the team’s ability to exceed the 5.5 wins that most sportsbooks are giving them.
3rd place: Indianapolis Colts
Everything looks good for the Colts, other than hitting a rough middle-third schedule. The difficulty of this part is also all relative and depends on how you feel about the 2024 Vikings and Jets.
Otherwise, this team has plenty of room to look ahead to its toughest games, having come off a relatively easy one. See how their cruelest contest ends.
Week 7 vs. Miami – but ejected from Titans game
Week 10 vs. Buffalo – but ejected from Vikings game
Week 4 vs. Pittsburgh – but ejected from Bears game
This is a very solid schedule for a construction team.
