What makes an NFL schedule ‘easy’
An easier NFL schedule in 2019 is typically defined by a mix of opponents’ recent performance, playoff implications, and strength of schedule rankings used by leagues and analytics groups. A team faces an easier path when it is matched against opponents with weaker records from the prior year, fewer Pro Bowl players, and lower expected win probability. In 2019, certain clubs were widely seen as having a comparatively light slate based on these metrics, making wins more attainable and postseason positioning more manageable.
How schedule difficulty is measured and reported
Media and analytics outlets often quantify schedule difficulty using strength of schedule ratings, opponent winning percentage, and past playoff seeding. These figures can be derived from regular season results, advanced metrics like DVOA or EPA, and projections from expert consensus. In 2019, some teams were highlighted as having the easiest schedules based on combined opponent metrics, which allowed analysts to compare relative paths across the league.
Key factors in schedule evaluation
- Previous season win-loss record of each opponent
- Strength of opponents’ schedules (second-order difficulty)
- Injuries and roster changes that affect projected competitiveness
- Home and away distribution in the division and conference
Together, these inputs help create a data-driven view of which teams had a comparatively easier slate in 2019.
Notable teams cited for the easiest 2019 schedules
Analyses from the 2019 season pointed to particular franchises whose upcoming opponents were expected to be less formidable than in prior years. This was often due to rebuilding cycles, losing seasons, or tougher prior-year records for divisional rivals. The teams most frequently mentioned had a favorable mix of matchups that reduced overall schedule stress.
2019 schedule difficulty snapshot
| Team | 2018 Record | 2019 Opponent Wins (expected) | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Bengals | 6–9–1 | 39.4 | Rebuilding year with lighter division rivals |
| Detroit Lions | 6–10 | 41.0 | Facing several rebuilding or inconsistent opponents |
| Arizona Cardinals | 3–13 | 42.5 | Weak NFC West and former AFC opponents in 2018 |
These figures reflect expected opponent wins based on consensus ratings and prior performance, highlighting teams on an easier trajectory at the start of 2019.
Why schedule difficulty matters for teams and fans
An easier schedule can boost win totals, improve draft positioning through better playoff odds, and provide confidence for younger rosters. For fans, it means more competitive games and clearer narratives around the team’s progress. However, context matters: easier paths can still lead to losses, and tougher schedules can create growth opportunities that define later success.
Limitations and caveats in assessing schedule ease
Projections and retrospective ratings are useful but not definitive. Injuries, trades, coaching changes, and in-season adjustments can reshape how a schedule ultimately feels. A team projected to have an easy year may face unexpected challenges, while a club viewed as struggling might find favorable matchups that simplify the path.
How to interpret 2019 schedule difficulty today
Looking back at the 2019 season, the teams most often labeled as having the easiest schedule shared common traits: recent underperformance, modest talent gaps in division contests, and a mix of favorable late-season matchups. Understanding these factors helps contextualize why certain clubs appeared to cruise relative to others.