NFL
Cowboys may not dedicate roster spot to position they complain about
Dallas Cowboys might avoid dedicating a roster spot to a slot cornerback despite concerns.
Yahoo Sports1 min read
Sports
Every NFL team's 2026 strength of schedule, from Bears' brutal run to Browns' lazy river
TL;DR
The 2026 NFL strength of schedule is nearly complete, revealing challenging matchups for some teams like the Bears and easier paths for others like the Browns. Each team will face 17 games leading to Super Bowl 61.
Key points
- 2026 NFL schedule is nearly complete
- Bears face a challenging schedule
- Browns have an easier path
- Each team plays 17 games
- Matchups lead to Super Bowl 61
BearsBrowns
Every NFL team's 2026 strength of schedule from Bears' brutal run to Browns' lazy river
The 2026 NFL schedule is nearly complete. While we don't know when each team will play, we do know who'll they'll face across the 17 games that carve a path to Super Bowl 61.
The league's scheduling process leaves six games against division opponents, four against opponents from a division in the opposite conference, four against opponents from a division within the same conference, two against teams in the same conference that finished in the same place in their respective divisions and one from the opposite conference who finished in the same place in their division (a weird rotation made possible by an unbalanced 17-game schedule). That leaves us with a dense list of matchups and where they'll take place, even if the when is a mystery.
Using that, we can calculate which teams will likely have the easiest paths to the postseason and who'll have to overcome a few more hurdles to get there.
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (32) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025.
If you're ranking teams based on how their opponents did in 2025, you get a strength of schedule that shakes out like this:
- Chicago Bears: 0.55
- Miami Dolphins: 0.542
- Arizona Cardinals: 0.538
- : 0.538
Q&A
What is the 2026 NFL strength of schedule for the Bears?
The Bears face a brutal run in their 2026 strength of schedule, indicating a challenging path ahead.
How does the NFL schedule determine matchups for 2026?
The NFL's scheduling process includes games against division opponents, inter-conference matchups, and teams finishing in the same place within their divisions.
Which NFL teams have the easiest schedule in 2026?
The Browns are noted for having a relatively easy path in their 2026 strength of schedule.
When will the 2026 NFL schedule be fully released?
The exact dates for the 2026 NFL schedule are still unknown, but the matchups have been determined.