The Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens are gearing up to face some tough competition in the upcoming 2024 NFL season. According to the latest strength of schedule rankings, the Browns will have the most difficult schedule in the league, with a daunting .547 SOS. The Browns, who have not made back-to-back playoff appearances since 1989, will have to navigate through 12 games against teams that finished with a winning record last season.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens will also have their work cut out for them with games against powerhouse opponents such as the Chiefs, Bengals, Browns, and Steelers. The addition of the 17th game has only made schedules tougher for good teams, with first-place teams now facing five other first-place teams.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints have the easiest strength of schedule at .453, with the Falcons only facing six playoff teams from 2023. The Los Angeles Chargers also have a favorable schedule, which could help them improve on their 5-12 record from last season.
The Cincinnati Bengals, with a middle-of-the-pack schedule ranking, could be a team to watch in 2024. Their schedule includes matchups that no other AFC North team will face, giving them a unique advantage in the division.
Overall, the strength of schedule rankings for all teams have been released, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that each team will face in the upcoming season. Game times and dates for the 2024 season are set to be released in May, building anticipation for what promises to be an exciting and competitive season for NFL fans everywhere.