2014 NFL Picks and Predictions: 5 Teams that Should Benefit from Easy Schedules

2014 NFL Picks and Predictions: 5 Teams that Should Benefit from Easy Schedules: Schedules have been released for the 2014-15 NFL season, and while it is impossible to predict how teams will perform once they get on the field, there are some teams that should have a more advantageous schedule than others based on how their opponents performed last season. Using the strength of schedule as well as other factors, it is possible to get an early idea of which playoff teams from a year ago have the best chance of returning to the postseason and which teams that missed out have the best chance of turning things around. With that in mind, here is a look at five teams that should benefit from easy schedules in the upcoming 2014-15 season.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Part of the reason that the Colts have such a friendly schedule is that they reside in the AFC South. However, a weak division alone doesn’t account for the Colts having the easiest schedule based on opponent winning percentage from last season. Indianapolis’ opponents in 2014-15 combined for a .430 winning percentage a season ago, and the Colts close the year with six games against opponents that finished at or below the .500 mark in 2013-14. The Colts were a playoff team last year, and with a solid roster returning and a very favorable schedule, this could be a team that earns a first-round bye.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers: Pittsburgh battled injuries to finish 8-8 last year, but a healthy roster and a friendly schedule could have the Steelers back in the postseason in 2014-15. Teams that made the playoffs a year ago like Indianapolis, New Orleans and Kansas City all visit Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, the Steelers’ road games come against weaker opponents like Jacksonville, Tennessee and the New York Jets. Overall, Pittsburgh’s upcoming schedule ranks as the eighth-easiest based on opponent winning percentage from last year, The schedule alone could account for the two or three extra wins that will take the Steelers from a .500 team to a playoff team.

3. New York Giants: Last year was a forgettable one for the Giants, but this team has a history of bouncing back in a big way. A bolstered offensive line should go a long way to helping the cause, and the same can be said about their schedule. The Giants opponents in 2014-15 combined for a .465 winning percentage last year, which gives New York the sixth-easiest schedule.

4. Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens failed to make the playoffs a year after winning the Super Bowl, but at the very least, Baltimore should have a great chance to return to the postseason in 2014-15. For one, the Ravens won’t have to deal with nearly as much roster turnover after a quieter offseason. Meanwhile, Baltimore has the fifth-easiest schedule for the upcoming season based on opponent winning percentage from last season. Road games against New Orleans and Indianapolis aren’t ideal, but by drawing the AFC and NFC South, the Ravens also get cushy meetings with Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Jacksonville and Houston. Baltimore should be able to capitalize on its schedule to get back over the .500 mark and into the postseason.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: If you are looking for an early underdog to bet on making some noise in 2014-15, the Jaguars could be your team. Granted, it takes a bit of a leap of faith to buy into a team that has the No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft and was abysmal on both sides of the ball last year. However, Jacksonville has spent the offseason throwing money at free agents to bolster its offensive and defensive lines, which should help the Jaguars grind out some wins under defensive-minded coach Gus Bradley. Having the fourth-easiest schedule in terms of opponent win percentage will also help the turnaround. A lot has to go right for Jacksonville to contend, but having a friendly schedule can help cure a lot of problems.

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