As every new NFL season approaches, fans and analysts examine team schedules to determine which franchises are up against the stiffest competition. In 2024, specific teams face a gauntlet of matchups that could define their playoff hopes. Let’s break down which squads have the most challenging paths ahead.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles face an arduous schedule in 2024, considering the Cowboys and 49ers are on their roster. With a target on their backs as NFC contenders, they must stay sharp against both conference rivals and AFC heavyweights to secure another deep postseason run.
Kansas City Chiefs
As reigning AFC champions, the Chiefs have one of the league’s toughest schedules. Their path is littered with Super Bowl hopefuls, and it even has two matchups with the 49ers before Christmas. Patrick Mahomes and company must traverse a relentless slate if they want to return to the big game.
Cincinnati Bengals
There are plenty of tough matchups on the Bengals’ 2024 schedule. It includes rematches with AFC heavyweights like the Chiefs, Ravens, and Bills. If Joe Burrow and the offense can maintain their high level of play, Cincinnati could still emerge as a serious Super Bowl contender.
San Francisco 49ers
It will be a demanding schedule for the 49ers in 2024 as they meet the Eagles and Chiefs several times across the conference. With their star-studded roster, San Francisco must maintain consistency and avoid injuries to overcome one of the league’s most demanding schedules and keep their Super Bowl hopes alive.
Miami Dolphins
Along with a highly competitive AFC East schedule in 2024, the Miami Dolphins will face various playoff contenders in the sport head on. With a talented roster, Miami must prove they can handle elite opponents if they want to solidify themselves as contenders in a stacked conference.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are set to battle a grueling schedule that includes a showdown with the reigning champs. Their AFC East matchups are no picnic either, making it critical for Buffalo to stay consistent if they want to reclaim divisional dominance and contend for a title.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore’s path to the playoffs will be anything but easy. With key matchups against the 49ers, Bengals, and Dolphins, the Ravens need Lamar Jackson at his best to keep pace. Moving through one of the league’s toughest schedules, they must rise to the occasion each week.
New York Jets
With a revamped schedule, the Jets must tackle a challenging 2024 schedule featuring battles against the Chiefs and Bills. A series of demanding matchups will test their playoff mettle and determine if the team is ready to take the next step in a fiercely competitive AFC.
Dallas Cowboys
There is a daunting preseason schedule for the Cowboys in 2024, which includes tough matchups against the 49ers and Bills in the NFC East. To remain in playoff contention, Dallas must consistently perform against some of the league’s top defenses and capitalize on any opportunities.
Los Angeles Chargers
This season’s Chargers schedule includes heated and very anticipated games against the Chiefs and Ravens, and Dolphins. Despite a talented roster, Los Angeles must find consistency to overcome this grueling lineup and prove they can compete against the NFL’s elite.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle’s 2024 schedule is anything but forgiving, with clashes against several defensive teams, which should frustrate their efforts. As long as the Seahawks hope to reach the playoffs, they must excel in conference and non-conference games, and this makes every matchup a vital test of their mettle and depth.
New England Patriots
Among the Patriots’ treacherous 2024 schedule are matchups including the Chiefs, Cowboys, and Dolphins. With a highly competitive AFC East, every game counts, and New England must find a way to stay competitive against elite teams to avoid falling behind in the playoff race.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints’ schedule is loaded with challenges in 2024, featuring showdowns with attack-centric teams like the Chiefs. As they aim to reestablish themselves as NFC contenders, New Orleans must be prepared to handle top-tier defenses and offenses week in and week out.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota’s path to the playoffs is lined with tough matchups against the 49ers, Bengals, and Eagles. The Vikings need to maximize their offensive firepower to survive one of the hardest schedules in the league and remain competitive in the NFC North.
Denver Broncos
A number of challenges await Denver in 2024 and this encompasses games against the reigning superbowl winners and defensive 49ers. The Broncos must demonstrate improvement in all phases to push through this grueling lineup and prove they can compete with the AFC’s top teams.
15 NFL Teams Set for the Toughest 2024 Battles