The NFL schedule is officially out, and with an 18-game season on the horizon, every team is already eyeing that crucial November and December stretch. The playoff push is where legends are made—and where a three-game losing streak can crush a season. Some teams are looking at a smoother path to the postseason, while others will have to fight tooth and nail. Let's break down who has the easiest and hardest roads ahead.
For the Baltimore Ravens, there's reason for optimism. Under new head coach Jesse Minter, the Ravens are hoping to bounce back into the playoffs, and their schedule offers a golden opportunity. A Week 13 bye gives them a chance to rest and reset, and the five games that follow are all winnable. Most of these matchups are within the tough AFC North, but if there's one thing we've learned about that division, it's that every game is a 50/50 battle. Hosting the Buccaneers, Browns, and Steelers should be favorable, with the toughest test being a road game against the Bengals in Week 17. If Baltimore can start the season strong, they have a real shot to go 4-1 down the stretch and enter the playoffs with serious momentum.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals are generating plenty of buzz. Everyone knows what Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase can do together, but the addition of Dexter Lawrence II from the New York Giants has upgraded their defense and made their playoff aspirations crystal clear. No game in the NFL is a free win, but getting the Browns twice during this stretch is a big help. Road matchups against the Panthers and Colts won't be easy, especially with uncertainty around how Daniel Jones will look after his Achilles injury, and the Panthers could still be finding their footing despite the excitement. The toughest game is undoubtedly against the Chiefs, but hosting them at home gives the Bengals an edge. If Cincinnati is truly ready to make a run, they should finish this stretch at 4-2 or, at worst, 3-3 heading into the playoffs.
On the other side of the coin, the Denver Broncos are staring down a much tougher road. Their schedule is packed with challenges that will test every part of their roster, and there's little room for error. The Broncos will need to be firing on all cylinders from the opening kickoff if they want to stay in the playoff hunt.