2012 NFL Schedule: Analyzing Teams with Most Difficult Schedules

Although excuses aren't accepted, playing a difficult schedule is a good reason to use if a team has a down year.

After all, it's hard enough to win multiple games in a row, let alone on an annual basis. That said, the following teams have a great opportunity to improve in 2012, but their schedules may prevent this from happening.

Full view of 2012 opponents

Cleveland Browns, AFC North

With two first-round draft picks, the Cleveland Browns can make some significant strides before the 2012 season kicks off. Also, Cleveland may have gone 4-12 in 2011, but they lost six games by one touchdown or less.

Unfortunately, 2012 doesn't get any easier, as the AFC North remains arguably the most difficult division and Cleveland gets other improved AFC opponents in Denver, Kansas City and Buffalo. Cleveland's other opponents come in the form of the NFC East, which has the potential to be the best division next season.

That's five postseason teams from 2011 (three from the AFC North) and potentially as many as nine for this season. Cleveland must field a balanced offense and improve the rush defense to get competitive.

Adding a top offensive prospect at No. 4 overall and then going defense at No. 22 will get the Browns on the right path. Cleveland must also force more turnovers and improve pass protection.

Oakland Raiders, AFC West

The Raiders began the 2011 season strong but faded away during the final month, going just 1-4. Darren McFadden still provides a strong running game, and the passing game has promise with Carson Palmer under center.

Defense is what cost Oakland in 2011, as the Raiders allowed 27 points and 387 total yards per game. With no draft picks until the end of Round 3, the Raiders will begin 2012 more than a few steps back. As for their schedule, Oakland has the entire AFC North and NFC South this season.

That's five postseason teams from last year and potentially five in 2012. Also, Oakland gets to host Jacksonville, a team that last year fielded the league's No. 6 overall defense and has a better running back in Maurice Jones-Drew.

Offensively, the Raiders have the ability to present a balanced attack and control the game tempo. It's up to coach Dennis Allen's defense if Oakland wants a shot at the postseason.

Minnesota Vikings, NFC North

Last season the NFC North had the chance to put three teams in the postseason. Although the Chicago Bears fell off late due to injuries, it still left the Minnesota Vikings as the odd team out (much like Cleveland in the AFC North).

Well nothing will change for Minnesota heading into 2012, as the Vikings remain quite a ways back of the Bears, Lions and Packers. Christian Ponder has promise, but he still needs a more reliable receiving corps, and the defense must find a way to improve against the pass.

Looking at their opponents, the Vikings have to face potential postseason contenders in Arizona, San Francisco, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Seattle and Houston—outside the division, of course.

Ranking No. 26 against the pass in 2011, all three NFC North rivals will dice the Vikings again in 2012. Yes, Adrian Peterson remains arguably the league's best ball-carrier, but opponents will simply zero in on him while exploiting Minnesota's vulnerable secondary.

Washington Redskins, NFC East

A surprising 3-1 start last season but not a surprising fall from grace for Washington, as the Redskins hit a six-game losing streak and finished 6-10. The good news, however, is that Washington fielded a respectable defense that has increased expectations for 2012.

Also, Washington has an upgraded receiving corps and the draft's No. 2 overall pick. Even with a franchise quarterback expected to come aboard this season, the Redskins have a long way to go.

Outside the division, we see the entire AFC North and NFC South to deal with. The Redskins may have potential on both sides of the line, but it was inconsistency that doomed them last season. Teams like Baltimore, Cincinnati, New Orleans and Atlanta will move the ball effectively while limiting Mike Shanahan's new offense.

Now include the division, and the Redskins got swept by Philadelphia and Dallas in 2011. Sure, besting the eventual Super Bowl champion Giants twice was nice, but bringing the A-game can't happen just once in a while.

John Rozum on Twitter.