The NFL offseason is heating up, and while the official 2026 schedule release is still on the horizon, every team already knows who they'll be facing this fall. That means we can start crunching the numbers to see which squads have the toughest road ahead—and which ones might have a smoother path to the playoffs.
Using each team's 2025 win percentage as a guide, here's an early look at the projected strength of schedule for all 32 NFL teams. Keep in mind, a lot can change between now and kickoff, but this gives us a solid baseline for what's to come.
The Hardest Road: Chicago Bears
After a standout 2025 season that saw Caleb Williams and first-year head coach Ben Johnson take the NFC North crown, the Bears are eyeing a return to the postseason. But their 2026 schedule is shaping up to be a gauntlet. Chicago's opponents posted a combined .550 win percentage last year, thanks in part to a tough division and some heavy-hitting non-division matchups. They'll host the Patriots, Eagles, Jaguars, and Buccaneers, while traveling to face the Bills, Panthers, and Seahawks. It's a test of endurance from the start.
The Easiest Path: Cleveland Browns
On the flip side, the Cleveland Browns appear to have a much more forgiving schedule as they gear up for 2026 under new head coach Todd Monken. Outside of their always-competitive AFC North battles, Cleveland will face a host of teams that missed the playoffs last year. That includes home games against the Colts, Falcons, and Raiders, plus road trips to take on the Titans, Saints, Giants, and Jets. If the Browns can capitalize, this could be a bounce-back year.
Full Strength of Schedule Rankings
For the complete list, we've ranked every team from toughest to easiest based on 2025 win percentages. The number one spot represents the most challenging slate of opponents, while the bottom of the list offers a more favorable outlook. Whether you're a fan of a contender or a team rebuilding, these projections are a great way to start thinking about the season ahead.