Computer Model Ranks NFL's 5 Easiest Schedules In 2026

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated May 10, 2026 8:42 AM ET

The NFL regular season will be here before you know it.

The league is set to release the complete 2026 regular season schedule later this month. The schedule release has been delayed a bit, though ultimately, the NFL will release it in full soon.

“Most fans know full well that the schedule comes out in mid-May now,” NFL VP Mike North said. “That’s what we’ve done the last five or six years. That’s sort of our target. Is there any magic to May 12, 13, 14? No. Is there any real downside to May 19, 20, or 21? No. I don’t think it’s coming out in June, but that second week in May has been our target the last few years, but I don’t know that it’s impossible to think about that third week in May.”

Dec 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; General view of the stadium during the national anthem prior to the game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In anticipation of the NFL's 2026 schedule release, which teams will have it the easiest during the fall?

"With odds released for all 32 NFL teams, we are now able to calculate NFL Strength of Schedule using projected win totals from Vegas oddsmakers," Sharp Football Analysis wrote.

"Based on projected win totals, the Detroit Lions have the easiest strength of schedule for the 2026 NFL season."