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The Strength of Schedule takes the results from all defensive performances last season and then applies the stats allowed against quarterbacks, running backs and receivers to determine who will have the easier schedule. This is determined by taking the best and worst venues for offenses to face and comparing those statistics allowed against the current NFL schedule for each team. Unlike strength of schedules used during the regular season which only considers the 32 defenses, this look back at last year considers the 64 venues that can happen – facing each defense either home or away.

To remove the effects of the really bad or good odd game, defensive performances last year have their best and worst game removed before determining their average fantasy points allowed for each position.

Three different views are given below – Weeks 1 to 6 show what players will face as they start the season. Weeks 1 through 16 are shown for a full season view and weeks 14 to 16 show the most common weeks for fantasy playoffs. Below that is the NFL schedule marked for each team to show when they have good (green) or bad (red) match-ups. Bye weeks are considered a bad matchup since the player is unavailable for your fantasy team that week. This is important especially considering the Dorey Rule – “draft as if the season only lasted the first six weeks”.

This analysis considers running backs awarded 0.1 points per rushed or received yard and six point touchdowns.

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Best Schedules:

Jets – This should be interesting since there is no in-house stud and they may make do with Mike Goodson. Any rookie or other free agent they pick up should be considered in a favorable light because they have a crappy offense and yet a great schedule for running backs.

Patriots – Not quite as favorable as the Jets but with seven good matchups and only two bad ones, Stevan Ridley should be in store for an even easier time rushing this year. But as with all things Patriot, that is subject to the ever-changing whims of Bill Belichick. Shane Vereen could become a superstar. Or maybe never be seen. Worth watching though. Consider too that the Pats get to start with each of their first six games all against the best matchups

49ers – The other team from last year’s Super Bowl gets eight very favorable matchups this year though five times they go against bad matchups. Frank Gore is almost certain to share the ball more but that still won’t likely make Kendall Hunter or LaMichael James mean much.

Worst Schedules:

Eagles – The new offense ushered in by Chip Kelly already presents a learning curve and some unknowns with LeSean McCoy coming off a disappointing, injury-marred season. The stated desire is to run the ball often but it will also involve Bryce Brown. And that all goes against a schedule that offers up just one game that goes against a top 20 venue from last year.

Giants – The backfield is already looking for a bigger committee between David Wilson and Andre Brown that could see them limit each other. And the Giants also only get to face one of the top 20 venues from 2012 for running backs while facing six bad matchups. Brown could serve up a bunch of touchdowns – if the Giants get the chance.

Week – By – Week

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