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The 2026 NFL strength of schedule rankings have been released, highlighting that the Detroit Lions have the easiest path to the postseason. Several non-playoff teams from last season, including the Kansas City Chiefs, also benefit from favorable schedules.
The 2026 NFL strength of schedule rankings are revealed ahead of the season and several non-playoff teams from last season benefit greatly.
Several notable NFL teams missed the postseason in 2025, including the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs. However, this year’s schedule certainly favors both teams and many more as the new season nears in September.
MORE: Top 10 AFC vs NFC games on the 2026 NFL schedule
NFL reporter Jordan Schultz shared the NFL strength of schedule with current win-loss totals factored in. The data suggests that the Lions have the easiest path to the postseason out of all 32 teams competing in the league.
Here’s every team’s 2026 NFL strength of schedule based on current projected win totals.
This is a much better way to view strength of schedule because it actually takes offseason moves and roster changes into account.
The #Lions have the “easiest” schedule, while the… pic.twitter.com/T4St8a7nGh
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 12, 2026
However, NFL fans know fully that the playoffs are never easy to get to when injuries and other factors evolve. The Chiefs are a perfect example after last season’s tough run that was amplified by Patrick Mahomes’ brutal injury.
The entire 2026 NFL schedule drops Thursday ahead of the new season taking place this fall. Several NFL reporters and online accounts are slowly dropping games for the upcoming season.
The Detroit Lions have the easiest schedule in the 2026 NFL season.
The rankings are based on current projected win totals, factoring in offseason moves and roster changes.
Notable teams that missed the playoffs in 2025 include the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs, both of which have favorable schedules for the upcoming season.
The 2026 NFL season is set to begin in September.
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However, the entire schedule of games releases during an NFL Network program at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Meanwhile, the NFC West boasted three teams in the postseason, including the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Seattle ranks currently with the no. 21 toughest schedule based on their overwhelming 2025 success.
The AFC North is certainly thankful for the way this season’s schedule develop though. All four teams in the division rank inside the top 18 most favorable regular season slates.

However, the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers also benefit greatly despite making the playoffs in 2025. Meanwhile, NFC powerhouses are rated seventh and eighth, respectively, as they try to make another postseason push.
We’ll reveal below how all 32 teams stack up in 2026 with the easiest and toughest NFL schedules.
| 1 (Easiest) | Detroit Lions |
| 2 | New Orleans Saints |
| 3 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| 4 | Cleveland Browns |
| 5 | New York Jets |
| 6 | Baltimore Ravens |
| 7 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 8 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 9 | Indianapolis Colts |
| 10 | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 11 | Denver Broncos |
| 12 | New England Patriots |
| 13 | Tennessee Titans |
| 14 | Buffalo Bills |
| 15 | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| 16 | Minnesota Vikings |
| 17 | Green Bay Packers |
| 18 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 19 | Las Vegas Raiders |
| 20 | Atlanta Falcons |
| 21 | Los Angeles Chargers |
| 22 | Seattle Seahawks |
| 23 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 24 | New York Giants |
| 25 | Washington Commanders |
| 26 | Houston Texans |
| 27 | Chicago Bears |
| 28 | Los Angeles Rams |
| 29 | Dallas Cowboys |
| 30 | Carolina Panthers |
| 31 | Miami Dolphins |
| 32 (Toughest) | Arizona Cardinals |