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Lions Get Easiest, Bears Toughest 2026 NFL Schedule

5/6/2026

49 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Detroit Lions have the easiest 2026 schedule, ranked #1 with 10.5 projected wins.
Chicago Bears receive the hardest schedule at a .550 opponent win percentage.
Arizona Cardinals face the toughest schedule, ranking #32.
Miami Dolphins have the second-hardest schedule (.542 opponent win %) and are favored only versus the Jets and Raiders.
The NFL will release the 2026 schedule the week of Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

History

Historical Context

In 1978 the NFL expanded to 28 teams and a 16-game regular season, introducing a rotating inter-conference schedule that repeats every three years and a ten-team playoff. That formula still determines matchups, ranking the Detroit Lions with an easiest 10.5-win schedule while the Chicago Bears face one of the toughest draws.

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Story summary

Detroit Lions have the easiest 2026 schedule, ranked #1 with 10.5 projected wins.
Chicago Bears receive the hardest schedule at a .550 opponent win percentage.
Arizona Cardinals face the toughest schedule, ranking #32.
Miami Dolphins have the second-hardest schedule (.542 opponent win %) and are favored only versus the Jets and Raiders.
The NFL will release the 2026 schedule the week of Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

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