2010 NFL Strength of Schedule Rankings

With the release of the NFL Schedule due in less than an hour, I've decided to break down the list of schedule difficulty for each team.

All 32 teams are still going to have to earn their wins regardless of their schedule strength. However, it may be a lot easier for some teams than others.

This list will go from easiest schedule to hardest. Take a look at these and let me know if you think my list is out of order.

Here is my list:

32. Arizona Cardinals 44.53 Win Pct.

Opponent Wins: 114
Opponent Losses: 142
Opponent Win Percentage: 44.53 percent

Home Games: St. Louis, San Francisco, Seattle, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Denver, Oakland, Dallas

Away Games: St. Louis, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Carolina, Kansas City, San Diego, Minnesota

It sucks for Arizona that it doesn't have its full team back, because this would be their easiest season yet. They only play four playoff teams from 2009.

31. St. Louis Rams 44.92 Win Pct.

Opponent Wins: 115
Opponent Losses: 141
Opponent Win Percentage: 44.92 Percentage

Home Games: Arizona, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Carolina, Kansas City, San Diego, Washington

Away Games: Arizona, San Francisco, Seattle, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Denver, Oakland, Detroit

The Rams are terrible, but maybe having the second easiest schedule in the league will help them get more than one win this year.

30. Seattle Seahawks 45.31 Win Pct.

Opponent Wins: 116
Opponent Losses: 140
Opponent Win Percentage: 45.31 Percent

Home Games: Arizona, San Francisco, St. Louis, Atlanta, Carolina, Kansas City, San Diego, N.Y. Giants

Away Games: Arizona, San Francisco, St. Louis, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Denver, Oakland, Chicago

The Seahawks and the next team have the same opposing win percentage. However, the Seahawks play a weakened Cardinals team as well as the worst team in the league twice.

29. San Diego Chargers 45.31 Win Pct.

Opponent Wins: 116
Opponent Losses: 140
Opponent Win Percentage: 45.31 Percent

Home Games: Denver, Kansas City, Oakland, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Arizona, San Francisco, New England

Away Games: Denver, Kansas City, Oakland, Houston, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Seattle, Cincinnati

The Chargers have the easiest schedule for any playoff team. They should have no problem getting back to the playoffs this year.

28. San Francisco 49ers 45.70 Win Pct.

Opponent Wins: 117
Opponent Losses: 139
Opponent Win Percentage: 45.70 Percent

Home Game: Arizona, St. Louis, Seattle, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Denver, Oakland, Philadelphia

Away Game: Arizona, St. Louis, Seattle, Atlanta, Carolina, Kansas City, San Diego, Green Bay

With this weak of a schedule, the 49ers might be able to make the playoffs this year.

27. New Orleans Saints 46.88 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 120
Opponent Losses: 136
Opponent Win Percentage: 46.88 Percent

Home Game: Atlanta, Carolina, Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Seattle, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Minnesota

Away Game: Atlanta, Carolina, Tampa Bay, Arizona, San Francisco, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Dallas

The Super Bowl Champions have the sixth weakest schedule. Maybe this is a set up for them to repeat.

26. Carolina Panthers 47.66 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 122
Opponent Losses: 134
Opponent Win Percentage: 47.66 Percent

Home: Atlanta, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Arizona, San Francisco, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Chicago

Away: Atlanta, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Seattle, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, N.Y. Giants

The Panthers have a pretty good schedule, as they only play four playoff teams.

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48.05 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 123
Opponent Losses: 133
Opponent Win Percentage: 48.05 Percent

Home: Atlanta, Carolina, New Orleans, St. Louis, Seattle, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Detroit

Away: Atlanta, Carolina, New Orleans, Arizona, San Francisco, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Washington

I think everyone agrees that it doesn't matter how easy their schedule is, Tampa Bay has some stuff they need to work out before they will be a top team again.

24. Denver Broncos 48.44 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 124
Opponent Losses: 132
Opponent Win Percentage: 48.44 Percent

Home: Kansas City, Oakland, San Diego, Houston, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Seattle, N.Y. Jets

Away: Kansas City, Oakland, San Diego, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Arizona, San Francisco, Baltimore

The Broncos ended last year 8-8. This year, they only play six playoff teams, so if they can win the rest they could end up in the playoffs.

23. Kansas City Chiefs 48.83 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 125
Opponent Losses: 131
Opponent Win Percentage: 48.83 Percent

Home: Denver, Oakland, San Diego, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Arizona, San Francisco, Buffalo

Away: Denver, Oakland, San Diego, Houston, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Seattle, Cleveland

I put Kansas City over the next team because they play Buffalo and Cleveland.

22. Green Bay Packers 48.83 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 125
Opponent Losses: 131
Opponent Win Percentage: 48.83 Percent

Home: Chicago, Detroit, Minnesota, Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Buffalo, Miami, San Francisco

Away: Chicago, Detroit, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Washington, New England, N.Y. Jets, Atlanta

The Packers schedule is difficult, but this year they have to play the NFC East and AFC East.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers 49.22 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 126
Opponent Losses: 130
Opponent Win Percentage: 49.22 Percent

Home: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, New England, N.Y. Jets, Atlanta, Carolina, Oakland

Away: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Buffalo, Miami, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Tennessee

Can Pittsburgh get back on top? The AFC East will pose a good challenge.

20. Atlanta Falcons 49.61 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 127
Opponent Losses: 129
Opponent Win Percentage: 49.61 Percent

Home: Carolina, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Arizona, San Francisco, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Green Bay

Away: Carolina, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Seattle, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia

Atlanta just barely missed the playoffs last year and its mediocre schedule this year may help it reach the playoffs.

19. Oakland Raiders 50.00 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 128
Opponent Losses: 128
Opponent Win Percentage: 50.00 Percent

Home: Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, Houston, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Seattle, Miami

Away: Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Arizona, San Francisco, Pittsburgh

The AFC South is considered one of the best divisions in football, and the Raiders have to play every team. This could be another rough year for the Raiders.

18. New York Jets 50.00 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 128
Opponent Losses: 128
Opponent Win Percentage: 50.00 Percent

Home: Buffalo, Miami, New England, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Green Bay, Minnesota, Houston

Away: Buffalo, Miami, New England, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Detroit, Denver

The entire AFC East besides the Patriots have the same strength of schedule. The reason I made the Jets easier is because they don't have to play the Jets.

17. Miami Dolphins 50.00 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 128
Opponent Losses: 128
Opponent Win Percentage: 50.00 Percent

Home: Buffalo, New England, N.Y. Jets, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Detroit, Tennessee

Away: Buffalo, New England, N.Y. Jets, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Green Bay, Minnesota, Oakland

The Dolphins have a much better schedule this year than last year. Maybe they can have another winning season with Brandon Marshall on the team.

16. Buffalo Bills 50.00 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 128
Opponent Losses: 128
Opponent Win Percentage: 50.00 Percent

Home: Miami, New England, N.Y. Jets, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Detroit, Jacksonville

Away: Miami, New England, N.Y. Jets, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Green Bay, Minnesota, Kansas City

The AFC East has only gotten stronger this year, and the Bills haven't. its going to take a miracle for them to make the playoffs.

15. Minnesota Vikings 50.39 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 129
Opponent Losses: 127
Opponent Win Percentage: 50.39 Percent

Home: Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay, Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Buffalo, Miami, Arizona

Away: Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay, Philadelphia, Washington, New England, N.Y. Jets, New Orleans

Minnesota has a pretty rough schedule including the season opener in New Orleans.

14. Chicago Bears 50.39 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 129
Opponent Losses: 127
Opponent Win Percentage: 50.39 Percent

Home: Detroit, Green Bay, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Washington, New England, N.Y. Jets, Seattle

Away: Detroit, Green Bay, Minnesota, Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Buffalo, Miami, Carolina

Cutler struggled his first year as a Bear, and it's only going to get harder this year. Luckily, Chicago has Detroit in its division.

13. Baltimore Ravens 50.78 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 130
Opponent Losses: 126
Opponent Win Percentage: 50.78 Percent

Home: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Miami, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Denver

Away: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New England, N.Y. Jets, Atlanta, Carolina, Houston

The Ravens have become a huge threat in the AFC. Even though their schedule is tough, there isn't a team on here they can't beat.

12. Detroit Lions 50.78 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 130
Opponent Losses: 126
Opponent Win Percentage: 50.78 Percent

Home: Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Washington, New England, N.Y. Jets, St. Louis

Away: Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Buffalo, Miami, Tampa Bay

The Lions have had a busy offseason, but they have a really strong set of games this year. The Tampa Bay and St. Louis games should help their record.

11. Indianapolis Colts 51.56 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 132
Opponent Losses: 124
Opponent Win Percentage: 51.56 Percent

Home: Houston, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Kansas City, San Diego, Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Cincinnati

Away: Houston, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Denver, Oakland, Philadelphia, Washington, New England

Indianapolis has the easiest schedule in the AFC South. This is because they don't have to play themselves.

10. Cleveland Browns 51.56 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 132
Opponent Losses: 124
Opponent Win Percentage: 51.56 Percent

Home: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, New England, N.Y. Jets, Atlanta, Carolina, Kansas City

Away: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Miami, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville

The Browns are in another rebuilding year and their tough schedule is going to make it even harder.

9. Philadelphia Eagles 51.95 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 133
Opponent Losses: 123
Opponent Win Percentage: 51.95 Percent

Home: Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Washington, Green Bay, Minnesota, Houston, Indianapolis, Atlanta

Away: Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Washington, Chicago, Detroit, Jacksonville, Tennessee, San Francisco

The Kolb era has begun, but its not going to be easy. Playing the AFC South and NFC North will be a challenge for this team trying to prove its not "rebuilding."

8. Washington Redskins 52.34 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 134
Opponent Losses: 122
Opponent Win Percentage: 52.34 Percent

Home: Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Philadelphia, Green Bay, Minnesota, Houston, Indianapolis, Tampa Bay

Away: Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, Jacksonville, Tennessee, St. Louis

Dan Snyder did it again by bringing in some big names. Will Mike Shanahan fix this team? It's not going to be easy with this schedule.

7. New York Giants 52.73 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 135
Opponent Losses: 121
Opponent Win Percentage: 52.73 Percent

Home: Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago, Detroit, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Carolina

Away: Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington, Green Bay, Minnesota, Houston, Indianapolis, Seattle

The third NFC East team in a row has just as difficult of a schedule.

6. New England Patriots 53.13 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 136
Opponent Losses: 120
Opponent Win Percentage: 53.13 Percent

Home: Buffalo, Miami, N.Y. Jets, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Green Bay, Minnesota, Indianapolis

Away: Buffalo, Miami, N.Y. Jets, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Detroit, San Diego

The Jets have made a case that their the new top team in the AFC East. This rough schedule will make it hard for the Patriots to prove them wrong.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars 53.52 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 137
Opponent Losses: 119
Opponent Win Percentage: 53.52 Percent

Home: Houston, Indianapolis, Tennessee, Denver, Oakland, Philadelphia, Washington, Cleveland

Away: Houston, Indianapolis, Tennessee, Kansas City, San Diego, Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Buffalo

This 7-9 team could have been a playoff team last year had it been in a different division. This year is going to be even harder, so get ready, Jacksonville.

4. Cincinnati Bengals 53.91 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 138
Opponent Losses: 118
Opponent Win Percentage: 53.91 Percent

Home: Baltimore, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Miami, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, San Diego

Away: Baltimore, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New England, N.Y. Jets, Atlanta, Carolina, Indianapolis

The Bengals get the hardest schedule in the AFC North. It's going to be hard to repeat as the AFC North champions.

3. Dallas Cowboys 54.30 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 139
Opponent Losses: 117
Opponent Win Percentage: 54.30 Percent

Home: N.Y. Giants, Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago, Detroit, Jacksonville, Tennessee, New Orleans

Away: N.Y. Giants, Philadelphia, Washington, Green Bay, Minnesota, Houston, Indianapolis, Arizona

The Cowboys have been silent this offseason. This rough schedule should get some chatter going.

2. Tennessee Titans 54.69 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 140
Opponent Losses: 116
Opponent Win Percentage: 54.69 Percent

Home: Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Denver, Oakland, Philadelphia, Washington, Pittsburgh

Away: Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, San Diego, Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Miami

Chris Johnson is going to have a hard time getting to 2,000 yards again against these teams. I picked the Titans to have an easier schedule than the next team because they play the Jets and the Ravens.

1. Houston Texans 54.69 Pct.

Opponent Wins: 140
Opponent Losses: 116
Opponent Win Percentage: 54.69 Percent

Home: Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Kansas City, San Diego, Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Baltimore

Away: Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Denver, Oakland, Philadelphia, Washington, N.Y. Jets

The Texans get the hardest schedule in the NFL, in my opinion. The AFC South and NFC East are two of the best divisions in the NFL and the Jets and Ravens are probably two best teams who didn't win their division last year. Their only break really is Oakland and Kansas City.

Let Me Know

Please comment below and let me know how you think your team will do after seeing how their schedule ranks on this list.