Strength of schedule for all 32 NFL teams: Which teams have the hardest, easiest schedule for 2022–
The following written content by Kevin Skiver
It’s impossible to know heading into the 2022 schedule release which NFL team has the “hardest” schedule, but opposing win percentage can provide a baseline. With that in mind, the 2022 schedule looks like it should: The best teams have the most difficult schedules on paper, whereas the worst teams … don’t.
While there are exceptions to the rule, specifically in the AFC South and NFC East, that’s generally how it shakes out this season. The Rams, Bengals, 49ers, and Chiefs all have among the hardest schedules of NFL teams as division finalists, whereas teams like the Lions and Jaguars find themselves toward the bottom in strength of schedule.
The Rams and Bengals expect to be competing for another Super Bowl berth this year, while the 49ers are figuring out their quarterback room and the Chiefs traded away top wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Green Bay, meanwhile, will inevitably be in the thick of things with Aaron Rodgers back at the helm.
The NFL’s scheduling, straightforward as it is, doesn’t perfectly reflect which teams have the hardest schedule. Here, however, is everything you need to know about every team’s strength of schedule on paper.
Toughest NFL schedule in 2022
Los Angeles Rams (.567 opponents win percentage)
The Rams have a schedule befitting a defending champion. After winning the Super Bowl last season, they have their divisional schedule against the NFC West, which featured two other playoff teams in the Cardinals and the 49ers. By winning the division, they notched games against the NFC North-winning Packers and NFC East champion Cowboys as well, plus an AFC draw against the impressive Buffalo Bills.
It’s a testament to their strength of schedule that not even a weak NFC South drew the Rams’ winning percentage down, with the Buccaneers and Saints being the only teams above .500 there.
The Rams will have their work cut out for them next season, but that’s to be expected. How hard their schedule truly is will depend on if the NFC West proves to be as deep as it was last season.
Rams opponents:
| Home | Away |
|---|---|
| Seattle Seahawks | Seattle Seahawks |
| San Francisco 49ers | San Francisco 49ers |
| Arizona Cardinals | Arizona Cardinals |
| Carolina Panthers | New Orleans Saints |
| Atlanta Falcons | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Dallas Cowboys | Green Bay Packers |
| Las Vegas Raiders | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Denver Broncos | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Buffalo Bills | — |
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