Caleb Harris
2024 NFL Schedule will not be released this week as scheduled, with the league telling teams it will take place on Wednesday, May 15. All offseason, opponents have been finalized – all that’s left is when the teams will play each other (and the net they’ll be on).
O the strength of the schedule is already known for each team. While the metric is flawed, it’s fun to speculate which teams will be good based on strength of schedule (it also influences off-season signings and draft picks).
As the league awaits the 2024 schedule, here is a prediction of five teams that will be strong in 2024 based on the strength of the schedule. Three of those teams were playoff teams last season.
2023 Record: 7-10
The Falcons are tied with the Saints for the easiest strength of schedule in the entire NFL, and has the benefit of playing eight teams that finished with losing records last season. Adding Kirk Cousins at quarterback doesn’t hurt either, as not having a starting quarterback last season was part of the reason the Falcons didn’t make the playoffs – despite having the easiest strength of schedule based on opponents from the previous season.
Cousins should give the Falcons a few extra wins in an NFC South that’s up for grabs. The quality of the opponents is certainly in their favor.
2023 Record: 7-10
The Bears had one of the most aggressive offseasons, starting with selecting Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick and Rome Odunze with the No. 9 overall pick. Chicago also added D’Andre Swift and Gerald Everett to the offense and was able to keep Jaylon Johnson at cornerback.
A revamped Bears team also has a favorable schedule, with six opponents finishing lower. 500 last season. Chicago also has New England (4-13), Tennessee (6-11), Arizona (4-13) and Carolina (2-15) on the schedule.
2023 Record: 9-8
The Buccaneers won the NFC South last season and advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs. They re-signed Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Lavonte David and Antoine Winfield Jr., as well as adding Jordan Whitehead. First-round pick Graham Barton also helps on the interior of the offensive line.
Tampa Bay faces Carolina (2-15) twice, Denver (8-9) and New York Giants (6-11) on the 2024 slate. While the Buccaneers face six teams that were on the NFL postseason last year, they also faced nine opponents who finished with losing records in 2023.
There is an opportunity for double-digit wins.
2023 Record: 11-6
Although the Dolphins were a playoff team last season, their 1-6 record against teams with winning records spoke volumes. The Dolphins took advantage of a favorable schedule in 2023, and are expected to do the same in 2024. Miami faces seven teams that finished with losing records last season, including New England (4-13) twice, Tennessee (6-11), Arizona (4-13) and Las Vegas (8-9).
Err on the side of caution. The New York Jets (7-10) should be better, and the Dolphins play them twice. Jordan Poyer, Shaquil Barrett, Jordyn Brooks and first-round pick Chop Robinson should bolster a revamped defense to help an already explosive offense.
If the Dolphins play better against teams with a winning record, 11 wins shouldn’t be out of the question.
2023 Record: 11-6
The Eagles had the league’s toughest schedule early last season and finished with an 11-6 record, and that was off to a 10-1 start, while losing five of their last six games. Philadelphia revamped an already talented roster, being aggressive in free agency by signing Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff and CJ Gardner-Johnson. Haason Reddick was traded, while Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean were the team’s first two draft picks.
Philadelphia only plays six teams that finished 2023 with losing records, four of which are in their own division (New York and Washington). Opponents’ winning percentage doesn’t do the schedule justice, but the Eagles are one of the most talented teams in the NFL.
Playing the AFC North will be a challenge, but Philadelphia should be a contender for 12-plus wins again.
