In the 2011 NFL season, the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, and San Francisco 49ers have the best remaining strength of schedules (SOS) from Weeks 13-17.
With just five games left in the 2011 NFL regular season, teams in contention for the playoffs are trying their best to finish their season strong. While teams have the same number of games to finish the season, some teams have an easier strength of schedule (SOS) than others, making their road to the playoffs a lot easier to fathom.
4 (tied). New York Jets: 21-34, .382 opponent winning percentage
Schedule: Week 13 at Redskins (4-7), Week 14 vs. Chiefs (4-7), Week 15 at Eagles (4-7), Week 16 vs. Giants (6-5), Week 17 at Dolphins (3-8)
The 6-5 Jets are hanging onto their playoff hopes in the AFC and will at least have a favorable schedule to end the season. Facing only one team with a winning record in the New York Giants in Week 16, it is reasonable to think that the Jets would finish the season 10-6 and earn a wild-card playoff spot.
4 (tied). Jacksonville Jaguars: 21-34, .382 opponent winning percentage
Schedule: Week 13 vs. Chargers (4-7), Week 14 vs. Buccaneers (4-7), Week 15 at Falcons (7-4), Week 16 at Titans (6-5), Week 17 vs. Colts (0-11)
The 3-8 Jaguars have gone through some major changes in the firing of head coach Jack Del Rio and a change in ownership, but at least face one of the friendliest schedules to end their season. With games against the San Diego Chargers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Indianapolis Colts, the Jaguars may finish with a decent 6-10 record to end their tumultuous season.
3. San Francisco 49ers: 20-35, .364 opponent winning percentage
Schedule: Week 13 vs. Rams (2-9), Week 14 at Cardinals (4-7), Week 15 vs. Steelers (8-3), Week 16 at Seahawks (4-7), Week 17 at Rams (2-9)
The 9-2 49ers still have four games against the pitiful NFC West, giving the team one of the best remaining SOS. Facing a tough Week 15 battle against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the 49ers could easily finish the season with at least 13 wins and will battle the Green Bay Packers for the No. 1 NFC playoff seed.
2. Baltimore Ravens: 19-36, .345 opponent winning percentage
Schedule: Week 13 at Browns (4-7), Week 14 vs. Colts (0-11), Week 15 at Chargers (4-7), Week 16 vs. Browns (4-7), Week 17 at Bengals (7-4)
The 8-3 Ravens have one of the best remaining SOS in the NFL thanks to two matchups with the AFC North-worst Cleveland Browns and a Week 14 home game versus the Colts. The Ravens only real test should be against the Cincinnati Bengals in the last week and will be a prime candidate for the top seed in the AFC playoffs.
1. New England Patriots: 18-37, .327 opponent winning percentage
Schedule: Week 13 vs. Colts (0-11), Week 14 at Redskins (4-7), Week 15 at Broncos (6-5), Week 16 vs. Dolphins (3-8), Week 17 vs. Buffalo (5-6)
The 8-3 Patriots are atop the AFC East and only face one team with a winning record the rest of the way. Led by the likes of Tom Brady and Wes Welker, it is quite likely that the Patriots win their last five games, finish the regular season 13-3, and clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Sources:
New York Jets 2011 Season, Yahoo! Sports
Jacksonville Jaguars 2011 Season, Yahoo! Sports
San Francisco 49ers 2011 Season, Yahoo! Sports
Baltimore Ravens 2011 Season, Yahoo! Sports
New England Patriots 2011 Season, Yahoo! Sports
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Austin Chang is a lifelong football fan, San Francisco 49ers supporter, and contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @_austinchang.