Team

Opponents

Record

Pct.

Comments

1. New York Giants

140-116

.547

For once, it seems the league got it right giving the defending Super Bowl champs the toughest schedule in the league. The Giants will have their work cut out for them to repeat as champs.

2. Denver Broncos

139-117

.543

Peyton Manning has his work cut out for him in his first season with the Broncos, getting the second toughest schedule. The Broncos did make the playoffs last season, though, so this isn’t a shock.

3. Cleveland Browns

135-121

.527

It seems the Browns are always in a rebuilding mode, but the league didn’t do them any favors. In a make or break year for many in the organization, it might be hard for the Browns to finally emerge.

4. Baltimore Ravens

134-122

.523

The Ravens have the talent to get to the playoffs despite a tough schedule but the health of their defense might be the deciding factor in the end. Baltimore has the horses to make another run.

4. St. Louis Rams

134-122

.523

The league didn’t do the Rams any favors with this schedule. St. Louis was one of the worst teams last season but get one of the toughest schedules. New coach Jeff Fisher has his work cut out for him.

6. San Diego Chargers

133-123

.520

San Diego was a bit of a disappointment but weren’t terrible. The coaching staff was brought back in what could be a make or break season. A tough schedule doesn’t help matters for a big turnaround.

7. Philadelphia Eagles

132-124

.516

The Eagles were a bit of a disappointment last season but have the talent to turn it around. It won’t be easy, though, playing in a tough division and having a challenging non-division schedule.

8. Arizona Cardinals

131-125

.512

Arizona gets the benefit of playing in a relatively weak division but their non-division schedule is much tougher this season. This doesn’t bode well for a team that struggled at times last season.

8. Minnesota Vikings

133-123

.512

The Vikings were a mess last season, mostly because of shaky QB play and injury. Minnesota hopes to have both issues solved but it won’t be easy for a big turnaround with this schedule.

10. Carolina Panthers

130-126

.508

Carolina seems a team on the rise because of quarterback Cam Newton. He’ll have his work cut out for him with a pretty tough schedule, though. The Panthers hope to challenge for a playoff spot.

11. Dallas Cowboys

129-127

.504

Expectations are always high for Dallas and this season will be no different. The schedule isn’t easy, though, and they play in a tough division. They’ll earn their way into the playoffs if they make it.

11. New Orleans Saints

129-127

.504

The Saints are a real wild card this season because of the “bounty gate” scandal. You just don’t know how the team will react to it all. Their schedule doesn’t provide many letdowns, either.

11. Seattle Seahawks

129-127

.504

Seattle is looking to take a step forward this season but might have a hard time because of a strong non-division schedule. The NFC West isn’t the best but Seattle could struggle some out of the division.

14. Cincinnati Bengals

128-128

.500

The Bengals were a surprise team but won’t sneak up on anyone in 2012. A little tougher schedule could make it harder for the Bengals to return to the playoffs but the young talent helps their chances.

14. Indianapolis Colts

128-128

.500

Indianapolis didn’t great rewarded with a cake schedule despite having the worst record in the league. The good news is the schedule is so-so, which helps the Colts chances to win a few more.

14. Jacksonville Jaguars

128-128

.500

The Jaguars have a new coaching staff in place in hopes of jump starting the team and offense. The transition year gets a middle of the road schedule, which is like a good thing for the Jags.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers

128-128

.500

Pittsburgh is always among the best and this season should be no different with a lot of talent still in place. The schedule isn’t too daunting for the Steelers but has some tough tests along the way.

18. Miami Dolphins

127-129

.496

The Dolphins are in a bit of a rebuild mode with several new players and coaches. Their schedule isn’t off-the-charts tough, which should help the transition for Miami.

18. Oakland Raiders

127-139

.496

Oakland was close to turning the corner but fizzled down the stretch. They get a full season of Carson Palmer and hope to have Darren McFadden all year, which helps their chances to make the playoffs.

20. Chicago Bears

126-130

.492

The Bears have a tough test to win their division but the rest of their schedule sets up well to at least make the playoffs. Chicago struggled with injuries, so staying healthy will be a key to their season.

20. Detroit Lions

126-130

.492

Detroit had a breakout season and look to build on that. The pieces are in place for that to happen. They play in a good division but a fairly weak non-division slate gives them hope for a good season.

20. Kansas City Chiefs

126-130

.492

The Chiefs finished well last season and hope to build on that for the coming year. Head coach Romeo Crennel gets a chance to coach from day one and has a schedule that isn’t too tough for 2012.

20. New York Jets

126-130

.492

New York had high hopes last year but floundered. The Jets still have a lot of question marks for this season but a pretty favorable schedule bodes well for a turnaround, especially with their talent.

24. Atlanta Falcons

125-131

.488

It might be hard for the Falcons to repeat last season but a pretty easy schedule bodes well for Atlanta to come near last season. The Falcons hope this is the year they make a Super Bowl run.

24. San Francisco 49ers

125-131

.488

The 49ers made huge strides in 2011 and are the favorites once again to win the division. The division is weak and the out of division schedule is tougher but they are still setup for a good season.

24. Washington Redskins

125-131

.488

A rookie starting quarterback is always a concern but the Redskins have to be pretty happy about having one of the easier non-division schedules in football. Things are looking up for this franchise.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

124-132

.484

The Bucs were supposed to be a team to breakout last season but that didn’t happen. They struggled and a lot of change in the offseason happened. An easy schedule could result in a quick turnaround.

28. Tennessee Titans

123-133

.480

Tennessee is closer to turning the corner. A lot will depend this season on their starting quarterback and the performance of Chris Johnson. The Titans have a schedule that could result in a playoff appearance.

29. Buffalo Bills

121-135

.473

The Bills had a great start in 2011 but fizzled down the stretch. A favorable schedule could help for a better overall season. Buffalo has some talent but might be a few players from making the playoffs.

29. Houston Texans

121-135

.473

Houston finally made the playoffs last year despite having their starting quarterback go down. The Texans get Matt Schaub back and an easy schedule to boot. A return trip to the playoffs seems likely.

31. Green Bay Packers

120-136

.469

The Packers nearly won every game last year so getting the second easiest schedule in the league bodes well for a great season. Maybe this is the year the Packers don’t lose a regular season game.

32. New England Patriots

116-140

.453

It doesn’t seem fair that one of the best teams from last season gets the easiest schedule in the league but that is the case for the Patriots. They are setup for another big season.