Five NFL Contenders Draw Brutal 2026 Paths as Patriots Open Against .721 Opponents
Updated
Updated · CBS Sports · May 19
Five NFL Contenders Draw Brutal 2026 Paths as Patriots Open Against .721 Opponents
6 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · May 19
Five projected NFL playoff contenders emerged from the 2026 schedule release with especially difficult paths, shaped by loaded opponent runs, short-rest spots and tough historical comps.
New England faces the sharpest early test: a Weeks 1-4 slate at Seattle, vs. Pittsburgh, at Jacksonville and at Buffalo carries a .721 combined opponent win percentage, the hardest four-game start in 40 years.
The Chargers have seven rest-disadvantage games, with Weeks 3-10 featuring trips to Buffalo, Kansas City, the Rams and Baltimore while several opponents come off byes or mini-byes.
Green Bay has five rest-disadvantage games and a rugged Weeks 5-8 stretch, while Dallas owns one of the league's toughest projected schedules and Chicago draws the sixth-hardest after its 11-win jump.
The release underscores how schedule quirks beyond simple opponent strength — rest gaps, bye timing and stacked conference races — could reshape the 2026 playoff picture.
Why do some teams with the toughest opponents also receive the most favorable rest schedules this season?
Has the NFL's scheduling sacrificed competitive integrity for the sake of primetime television drama?