Ranking top 5 NFL teams with easiest strength of schedule in 2025 ft. Patriots
The 2025 NFL schedule was released earlier this week, with times and locations for each game. Where and when certain games are played are just as important as the actual opponent when analyzing the overall difficulty of each schedule.
Here are the five teams that have the easiest roads this year when considering all variables.
Easiest 2025 NFL schedules
#5 - New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints received shocking news during the offseason when Derek Carr announced his retirement. This puts new head coach Kellen Moore in a difficult spot, with rookie Tyler Shough potentially his starting quarterback. The positive is that they have one of the easiest schedules this season. They open the year with six non-playoff opponents from last season in their first seven games.
#4 - Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers will keep a close eye on Bryce Young as this could be his make-or-break season. He will have a good opportunity to build some momentum with a favorable start to the 2025 NFL season. They begin the year with seven consecutive opponents that missed the playoffs last year.
#3 - Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are in an ideal situation entering this year. They have consistently been one of the best teams in the NFL and now get the luxury of having one of the easiest strengths of schedule. Their opponents have the fifth-worst combined record based on last year's results, and after opening against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1, they don't face another playoff team until Week 9.
#2 - New England Patriots
The New England Patriots made a major change during the offseason when they hired Mike Vrabel as their head coach. He is in a favorable situation for his first season. The Patriots get matchups against the weak NFC South, as well as the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.
#1 - San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers had a massively disappointing season last year, but it has resulted in one of the easiest schedules this season. Just three of their 17 games are against teams that made it into the playoffs last year. They also have the added advantage of facing off against the entirety of the NFC South and AFC South divisions.