NFL Schedule, The NFL’s 2024 schedule release revealed some brutal paths to the playoffs, with several teams facing gauntlets that could derail their seasons before they even begin. While every team played 17 games, some drew significantly tougher slates than others based on opponents, travel demands, and scheduling quirks.
In this 1,500+ word analysis, we’ll break down:
✔ The 5 teams with the most difficult 2024 schedules
✔ Why their paths are particularly brutal
✔ Key stretches that could make or break their seasons
✔ Historical context of tough schedules
✔ Potential playoff implications
Let’s examine which teams got the short end of the scheduling stick this year.
NFL’s 5 Most Difficult Schedules for 2024
1. New York Jets
Schedule Difficulty Rank: 1st
Notable Challenges:
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Face 7 playoff teams from 2023
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3-game road trip (Weeks 3-5)
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Back-to-back against 49ers and Chiefs (Weeks 1-2)
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No bye week until Week 12
Brutal Stretch: Weeks 1-5 (@SF, vs. NE, vs. DEN, vs. BUF, @MIN)
Why It’s Tough: Aaron Rodgers’ comeback tour begins with arguably the NFL’s toughest opening month. The Jets play four 2023 playoff teams in their first five games.
For more on the Jets’ offseason moves, visit NFL NewsZ.
2. New England Patriots
Schedule Difficulty Rank: 2nd
Notable Challenges:
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Face NFC West and AFC North (two toughest divisions)
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London game in Week 7 (vs. JAX)
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5 primetime games despite rebuilding
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No true “easy” games until Week 15
Brutal Stretch: Weeks 4-9 (vs. MIA, @HOU, vs. IND, vs. JAX in London, vs. NYJ)
Why It’s Tough: The Patriots’ rebuild gets tested immediately against elite competition with international travel mixed in.
3. Chicago Bears
Schedule Difficulty Rank: 3rd
Notable Challenges:
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Rookie QB faces 9 top-10 defenses
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London game in Week 5
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3-game stretch vs. NFC North rivals (Weeks 11-13)
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No weather advantage early (5 of first 7 indoors/road)
Brutal Stretch: Weeks 11-13 (vs. GB, vs. DET, @MIN)
Why It’s Tough: Caleb Williams gets thrown into the fire immediately with division games that could define Chicago’s season NFL Schedule.
For more on the Bears’ draft picks, check NFL NewsZ.
4. Atlanta Falcons
Schedule Difficulty Rank: 4th
Notable Challenges:
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Face all 4 2023 NFC playoff teams in first 6 weeks
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Kirk Cousins faces former team (MIN) Week 13
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3 straight road games (Weeks 5-7)
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No bye until Week 11
Brutal Stretch: Weeks 1-6 (vs. PIT, @PHI, vs. KC, vs. NO, vs. TB, @CAR)
Why It’s Tough: The Falcons’ soft division helps, but their early schedule could bury them before they get to easier games.
5. Denver Broncos
Schedule Difficulty Rank: 5th
Notable Challenges:
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Face 6 playoff teams in 7 weeks (Weeks 3-9)
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3-game road trip (Weeks 6-8)
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No division games until Week 11
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Start rookie QB Bo Nix against elite defenses
Brutal Stretch: Weeks 3-9 (@TB, vs. NYJ, @LV, vs. LAC, @KC, vs. CAR, @BAL)
Why It’s Tough: Sean Payton’s rebuild gets tested by a murderer’s row of opponents early.
3 Factors That Make a Schedule Brutal
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Opponent Strength
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Playing multiple recent playoff teams
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Facing top-ranked defenses
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Scheduling Quirks
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Long road trips
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Short weeks
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International games
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Timing
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Tough stretches when teams are injured
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Key division games late
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Historical Perspective: How Tough Schedules Impact Teams
Looking at last year’s toughest schedules:
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2023 Patriots (3rd hardest schedule): Went 4-13
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2023 Jets (2nd hardest): 7-10 despite Rodgers injury
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2021 Lions (hardest): 3-13-1
Key Takeaway: Teams with top-5 hardest schedules average 5.2 wins over past decade.
Potential Playoff Implications
For these teams facing brutal schedules:
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Jets could waste elite defense if they start 1-4
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Patriots might secure top draft pick with tough slate
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Bears could stunt Caleb Williams’ development
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Falcons may regret not building better around Cousins
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Broncos could be out of contention by midseason
Which Team Has the Easiest Schedule?
For comparison, the New Orleans Saints have the NFL’s easiest 2024 schedule, facing:
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Only 4 playoff teams
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No international travel
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Warm-weather games late
Read More: 2024 NFL Rookie Class: Complete Breakdown of Top First-Year Players to Watch
Final Verdict: Who Got Screwed the Most?
While all teams face challenges, the New York Jets clearly drew the shortest straw with:
✔ Hardest strength of schedule
✔ Brutal opening stretch
✔ Late bye week
✔ Multiple cross-country trips
Their season could be decided by Thanksgiving if they don’t survive the early gauntlet.
Which team do you think has the toughest path? Let us know in the comments!
For complete NFL schedule analysis, visit NFL NewsZ.
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