The 2026 NFL schedule is just around the corner, and while we don't know exactly when the Buffalo Bills will take the field, we do know who they'll be facing. That's enough to start breaking down just how tough—or manageable—their road to the playoffs might be.

Most analysts measure a team's strength of schedule by looking at opponents' records from the previous season. But that approach has a major flaw: rosters change, and last year's wins don't guarantee this year's success. Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analytics takes a smarter approach, using each team's projected win total to calculate schedule difficulty. And by that metric, the Bills land right in the middle of the pack—with the 14th-easiest schedule in the league.

Buffalo is projected to reclaim the top spot in the AFC East, with Las Vegas setting their average win total at 10.5 victories. The Patriots aren't far behind at 9.5 wins, while the Jets and Dolphins are expected to struggle with just 5.5 and 4.5 wins, respectively. Of course, the Bills will face each division rival twice—home and away—giving them plenty of opportunities to stack wins within the conference.

Beyond the AFC East, Buffalo will take on the entire AFC West, a division that always brings fireworks. They'll also square off against the NFC North, adding another layer of intrigue to an already promising season. Whether you're gearing up for game day or just planning your viewing party, the Bills' 2026 slate looks like one worth watching closely.