2023 NFL schedule release: Ranking five teams with the toughest stretches, including Giants and Patriots

The 2023 NFL schedule is finally here, and it’s time for the fans of all 32 fanbases to start speculating if their squads can make the postseason. Thursday night was pretty pivotal when it comes to forecasting how the 2023 season will pan out. 

Games are won and lost on the field, not on paper or by fun social media videos. But we can identify a tough schedule when we see it. We aren’t only talking about a team’s strength of schedule based off of their opponents’ 2022 record, we are talking about tough stretches that could end up deciding the season as a whole. These stretches could come at the very end of the year, right in the middle or even in the beginning. 

Let’s take a look at some teams that weren’t done any favors by the league’s schedule makers. 

All odds come via Caesars Sportsbook.

Strength of schedule ranking by 2022 opponent win %: No. 1
Odds to make playoffs: -380

Week 11: at Chiefs (MNF)
Week 12: vs. Bills
Week 13: vs. 49ers
Week 14: at Cowboys (SNF)
Week 15: at Seahawks
Week 16: vs. Giants

First of all, let me say that the Eagles probably aren’t in danger of missing the playoffs, but we simply couldn’t do this article without mentioning what may be the toughest stretch for any team this year. 

Right after Philly’s Week 10 bye, the Eagles get the Chiefs in Arrowhead on “Monday Night Football.” Then, on a short week, they host Josh Allen and the Bills. The next week they play the 49ers before hitting the road to take on the Cowboys and Seahawks, followed by a return to Philadelphia to host the Giants. All six of those teams made the playoffs last year. Again, the Eagles will likely make the postseason, but maybe this stretch gives you second thoughts about their win total. 

Strength of schedule ranking by 2022 opponent win %: No. 20
Odds to make playoffs: -170

Week 1: at Chiefs (TNF)
Week 4: at Packers (TNF)
Week 6: at Buccaneers
Week 7: at Ravens
Week 10: at Chargers
Week 13: at Saints
Week 14: at Bears
Week 16: at Vikings
Week 17: at Cowboys (MNF)

Oddsmakers are high on the Lions entering 2023. They are favored to win the division, and -170 to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Their schedule isn’t seen as one of the toughest in the league, but Detroit does have a tough road slate. Remember, Dan Campbell didn’t get his first road win as head coach until this past year. Overall, he’s 4-12-1 away from Detroit. 

So, the Lions start…