Late last week the NFL schedule was released. The season is a long way off, but I thought we could take an early look at what's in store this year. Which teams will have it tough? Which teams have it easy? These questions and more will be answered here. Let's dive in...
Toughest Schedule
Technically, the toughest schedule in the NFL is that of the Carolina Panthers. The combined record of their 2013 opponents a year ago was 138-116-2. The New Orleans Saints, St. Louis Rams, and Detroit Lions are next, but that can be a deceiving and and these teams aren't really contenders (except for maybe the Saints). What I'm looking for is the toughest schedule for a contender...
Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears - These two NFC North teams, and Super Bowl hopefuls, drew games against every NFC East and AFC North team. The only game in there that is somewhat easy is Cleveland, but even they are much improved (and Chicago has them on the road). Think about a schedule with Washington, Dallas, NYG, Philly, Cincy, Pittsburgh, and the defending champs Baltimore. Green Bay has games against San Francisco and Atlanta also; Chicago with New Orleans. Of course they have the rest of their division to compete against too... each other, the Lions, and AD's Vikings. That's tough sledding.
Easiest Schedule
Here, I'm looking at playoff contenders that have it easy (although nothing is easy in the NFL):
Denver Broncos - The Broncos have the easiest schedule based on 2012 records. And I agree it is looks simple on paper. A huge part of that is due to the fact that their division is bad. I would expect a 6-0 record within the AFC West (SD, KC, Oakland). Then, they drew the AFC South which will deliver guaranteed wins against Jacksonville and Tennessee. They also drew the NFC East which will be tricky, but two of those are home games, and remember they already have eight likely wins in the bag. Lastly, one of their two other games is Baltimore at home, a game I'm sure they will be ready to take revenge in. If they went 13-3 last year, I would expect AT LEAST 11 wins this year for sure.
Indianapolis Colts - By the numbers (2012 records), the Colts have the third easiest schedule of all NFL teams, and for a playoff team last year, that's lucky. Like the Broncos, they have some easy wins within the division (AFC South) with Jacksonville and Tennessee. Houston twice is the tricky piece. They also drew the AFC West and NFC West which shouldn't be too bad. Denver, San Francisco, and Seattle will obviously be tough games, but they should handle the other five opponents in those divisions. Plus, of their two other games, one of those is Miami at home. With a schedule like this, getting back to the playoffs shouldn't be overly difficult.
Best Storylines
This section lists five games that are chalked full of background story:
#1 - Peyton returns to Indy. In week 7, Peyton Manning and his Broncos play at his old team, the Indianapolis Colts. It will be emotional in a big way, but it will also be a great game and important game for both squads in terms of playoff positioning.
#2 - Sticking with the Manning theme, Eli vs. Peyton in week 2. Again, it will have some story, but the game itself will be huge. Peyton's team leads 2-0 in this "brother rivalry."
#3 - Andy Reid back in Philly. It will be weird to watch Andy Reid coach for a team not named the Eagles, but it will be even weirder to see him coach against them. But that is what will happen in week 3 this season. It will be fun to see Chip Kelly's offense too.
#4 - Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots... This game is a big storyline for a lot of reasons. First, it renews the rivalry of two of the greatest QB's ever, Manning and Brady. Second, it will likely have an impact on the AFC number one seed. Third, this marks Wes Welker's return to New England. I'm looking forward to it already!
#5 - Revis Island Returns. In a big trade yesterday, the New York Jets dealt Darrelle Revis to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And yes, the Bucs travel to the Meadowlands this year. He's one of many big names to change teams this summer, but playing in week 1 makes this extra special.
Best Games
This section includes one game each week that I feel is the best matchup. Trust me, picking one game a week is hard... just go check out Week 1 and you'll get my point!
Week 1 - Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers. This matchup features the best two teams in the NFC heading into the season. They played twice last year (once in the playoffs) with San Francisco winning both, even with two different QB's (Smith then Kaepernick).
Week 2 - Nearly went with the Manning brothers playing, but it's gotta actually be the 49ers again at the Seattle Seahawks (part 1). These division rivals are both Super Bowl contenders with great defenses, second year QB's, and fiery coaches.
Week 3 - Houston at Baltimore. Not only will this be a great early test for both squads, but this will mark Ed Reed's return to Baltimore after spending his entire career (11 seasons) there until this season.
Week 4 - New England at Atlanta. These teams hosted their respective conference championship games in the playoffs last season... and both lost. They will both be wanting back there again.
Week 5 - This week, the Seahawks will travel to play the Colts. In this game, we'll see two of the best young QB's in the game play: Russell Wilson vs. Andrew Luck.
Week 6 - NYG at Chicago on Thursday Night Football. These teams will have a lot to prove after each barely missing out on last year's playoffs. Injuries and underachieving were factors, so they need to step up in 2013. The Giants have experience in bouncing back, the Bears will lean on new coach Marc Trestman.
Week 7 - I mentioned that this week marks Peyton's return to Indy already, so I'll pick another game here: Baltimore at Pittsburgh. This is a huge rivalry game that seems to always affect the AFC North outcome. They also play on Thanksgiving later in the year!
Week 8 - The future (RGIII) visits the past (Peyton Manning). Washington and Denver both have huge goals in 2013, so this midseason meeting should be fun.
Week 9 - Chicago and Green Bay, Round 1. One of the longest standing rivalries in football on Monday Night Football at Lambeau Field. This game, and their meeting in Week 17, could decide the NFC North.
Week 10 - Tie between Seattle at Atlanta and Dallas at New Orleans. The first matchup mentioned is between two heavyweight playoff teams from last year. The second matchup features two playoff hopefuls that have overpaid QB's. Both should have interesting outcomes.
Week 11 - The Packers travel to New York for a meeting with the Giants. If the Giants are serious are getting back to the playoffs, winning this home game is a must.
Week 12 - Had four great options this week, but I can't pass on Denver at New England. Enough said.
Week 13 - I'll stick with the Patriots as they travel to Houston. These teams played in the playoffs last year and it could happen again.
Week 14 - Matt Ryan vs. Aaron Rodgers... Yes please. Atlanta was the NFC #1 seed last year but Green Bay was the year before. Who wants it in 2013?
Week 15 - Houston at Indianapolis. This will be the second game of this division rivalry in 2013. This may decide who walks away as the AFC South champions.
Week 16 - Tie between Denver at Houston and Atlanta at San Francisco. At this point in the season, these games may determine #1 seeds in the playoffs in the respective conference races.
Week 17 - Washington at NYG. Last year the NFC East came down to the final weekend as Washington won (vs. Dallas). It could be the same this season and this game could be an essential playoff game.
Not mentioned: I failed to mention my predicted AFC North champion, the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are involved of plenty great and important games that just missed the cut. I also didn't mention exciting teams like Tampa Bay, Carolina, Philadelphia, and Detroit. The NFC is deep and these teams will play roles in deciding things, and could make a run to the playoffs depending on how things play out.
Gut Reaction on Division Champs
Some of the picks below are based on talent and who I think will be good. The closer calls I decided on based on the schedules:
AFC East - New England Patriots
AFC North - Cincinnati Bengals
AFC South - Houston Texans
AFC West - Denver Broncos
NFC East - Dallas Cowboys
NFC North - Green Bay Packers
NFC South - Atlanta Falcons
NFC West - San Francisco 49ers
By: Andrew Miller
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