2023 Strength of Schedule

[NorthCoast]

Steelers finally catch a break after the last few seasons
:

https://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-nfl-strength-of-schedule.jpg



https://twitter.com/SharpFootball

[LPMAN]

Saints, Facons & Panthers are 1,2&3 because they play each other twice! LMAO

[SteelerOfDeVille]

I don't think the Steelers schedule is as easy as we might think... Browns will be better simply because Watson will have camp, etc, so that'll be 2 games against an underrated team. A split with them would be a good outcome. I think they're going to be a problem in our division for a couple of seasons

[NorthCoast]

I don't think the Steelers schedule is as easy as we might think... Browns will be better simply because Watson will have camp, etc, so that'll be 2 games against an underrated team. A split with them would be a good outcome. I think they're going to be a problem in our division for a couple of seasonsIf the Steelers have trouble defending against Amari Cooper and DPJones then they will have a lot more to worry about than the Browns this year.

[feltdizz]

I don't think the Steelers schedule is as easy as we might think... Browns will be better simply because Watson will have camp, etc, so that'll be 2 games against an underrated team. A split with them would be a good outcome. I think they're going to be a problem in our division for a couple of seasons

nope.. not worried about Watson and the Browns. 4-2 in the AFCN this year at the worst.

[whisper]

nope.. not worried about Watson and the Browns. 4-2 in the AFCN this year at the worst.

I think we most likely lose 2 to Cinci and at least 1 more to Balt. or Browns: 3-3 at best.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

nope.. not worried about Watson and the Browns. 4-2 in the AFCN this year at the worst.
dude, I hope you're right... but 4-2 is BOLD.
for his career, Watson's underrated... he's had some QB rating numbers that are pretty high level (if not elite) to start a career. I mean, I hope he's toast, but I'm not willing to "call it" just yet.

[feltdizz]

dude, I hope you're right... but 4-2 is BOLD.
for his career, Watson's underrated... he's had some QB rating numbers that are pretty high level (if not elite) to start a career. I mean, I hope he's toast, but I'm not willing to "call it" just yet.

Watson also went 4-12 when he had an amazing year. Individual stats doesn’t guarantee wins.

[whisper]

Steelers finally catch a break after the last few seasons
:

https://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-nfl-strength-of-schedule.jpg



https://twitter.com/SharpFootball

Hahaha, NE has the toughest schedule. Could be Hoodie's last year there.

[feltdizz]

I think we most likely lose 2 to Cinci and at least 1 more to Balt. or Browns: 3-3 at best.
sweep Cleveland and split with Rats and Bungels

[NorthCoast]

dude, I hope you're right... but 4-2 is BOLD.
for his career, Watson's underrated... he's had some QB rating numbers that are pretty high level (if not elite) to start a career. I mean, I hope he's toast, but I'm not willing to "call it" just yet.Just checked F.O. (who adjusts their rankings based on defenses) and seen that Watson was #14, #10, #12, #5 in QB rankings starting from his rookie season. In 2022 he was not ranked because he had less than 200 passes. But his stats would have put him at #28.

[Joel Buchsbaum]

Steelers finally catch a break after the last few seasons
:

https://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-nfl-strength-of-schedule.jpg



https://twitter.com/SharpFootball

Having a 3rd or 4th place schedule generally helps. Unless of course your Cleveland or cheat like New England. Good data.

[Joel Buchsbaum]

By the way Waren Sharp's website, Sharp football is very detailed and offers a very good analysis.



https://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com

[NorthCoast]

Here's another take on strength of schedule for 2023. Steelers still looking good but let's see how well PHI does after their pattycake schedule last year:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885474212_c76fcc7c0a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oziSYU)capture (https://flic.kr/p/2oziSYU) by R W (https://www.flickr.com/photos/191750946@N04/), on Flickr

[feltdizz]

I always say the SOS can’t be trusted before the season but I really hope these rankings hold this year. :)

[WindyCitySteel]

I always say the SOS can’t be trusted before the season but I really hope these rankings hold this year. :)

You just can't account for injuries and who is playing well when you play them, and vice versa. We all marked probably marked Tampa as an L last year and the Jets as a W.

[NorthCoast]

Good news Steeler fans. The schedule just got easier!

https://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOS-updated-5-15.jpg

I'm smelling Superbowl!! :tt1:Cheers:tt2:tt2:tt1

[feltdizz]

Good news Steeler fans. The schedule just got easier!

https://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOS-updated-5-15.jpg

I'm smelling Superbowl!! :tt1:Cheers:tt2:tt2:tt1

That would be lovely.

[whisper]

You just can't account for injuries and who is playing well when you play them, and vice versa. We all marked probably marked Tampa as an L last year and the Jets as a W.

Most had weEk...

1.) a loss @ Cinci. (W)
2.) a win vs. Pats (L)
3.) a win at Cleve. (L)
4.) a win vs. Jets. (L)
5.) a loss @ Bills (L) and was it ever, a total domination.
6.) a loss vs TB (W), surprising one
7.) about even @ Miami (L)
8.) a loss @ Philly (L) and was it even, total destruction
9.) about even vs. NO (W).
10.) loss vs. Cinci (L)
11.) about even @ Indy (W)
12.) win @ ATL (W) just barely hung on
13.) win vs Balt (L)
14.) win @ Carl (W)
15.) win vs. LV (W) just barely
16.) win @Balt (W) JUST BARELY
17.) win vs Cleve (W) by a lot

(bye week not included)

Goes to show you, predicting wins and loses not easy.

[feltdizz]

Most people had us winning 8 games or less.

No way most people had us winning 9 games minimum. Not many people had us going 4-2 in the AFCN and sweeping Balt last year.

NJ and I … and of course Flippy, were the only one’s I know on here who predicted 11 or more wins.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

I always say the SOS can’t be trusted before the season but I really hope these rankings hold this year. :)
This... Lamar-less Ravens of 2022 are a good example - team gets them twice...
I also would imagine that with a camp and full offseason, DeShaun Watson improves over his 2022 performances. That's 4 games against improved teams

(I've been on a life raft all of my own on that one, but I hope we've improved enough to stay ahead of the Browns - I'm actually worried about them. I still think he's out to prove that he's worth the $$ they invested)

[NorthCoast]

This... Lamar-less Ravens of 2022 are a good example - team gets them twice...
I also would imagine that with a camp and full offseason, DeShaun Watson improves over his 2022 performances. That's 4 games against improved teams

(I've been on a life raft all of my own on that one, but I hope we've improved enough to stay ahead of the Browns - I'm actually worried about them. I still think he's out to prove that he's worth the $$ they invested) The only injury that seems to move Vegas lines are to the QB. All else is noise. Sharp did the historical work and saw that Vegas is not all that far off for the majority of teams. For example, the Steelers certainly won't go from one of the easier schedules to one of the harder ones based on injuries (non-QB).

[Steel Maniac]

This... Lamar-less Ravens of 2022 are a good example - team gets them twice...
I also would imagine that with a camp and full offseason, DeShaun Watson improves over his 2022 performances. That's 4 games against improved teams

(I've been on a life raft all of my own on that one, but I hope we've improved enough to stay ahead of the Browns - I'm actually worried about them. I still think he's out to prove that he's worth the $$ they invested)

I'm with you. I think Watson is going to look more like the 2020 Watson.

[Oviedo]

I'm with you. I think Watson is going to look more like the 2020 Watson.


You mean the QB who led his team to a 4-12 record. I 'm hoping for that guy too

[whisper]

I'm with you. I think Watson is going to look more like the 2020 Watson.

There are some Browns fans - realistic ones, not their version of Yinzer types - who believe the coaching is pretty bad in Cleveland, starting right with the head coach, who they refer to as a "June Jones type." And, as an added negative, they feel the owner is meddling and totally screws up team chemistry. Something is amiss with this team, so I don't know if Watson can overcome all of that.

[feltdizz]

You mean the QB who led his team to a 4-12 record. I 'm hoping for that guy too

Just proof a QB can’t win on his own. He had a great year in 2020 but the team was doo doo. I believe this was the year JJ Watt apologized to him in a presser for the team effort.

Also remember this was his first year without DHop.

[Joel Buchsbaum]

Saints, Facons & Panthers are 1,2&3 because they play each other twice! LMAO

Our 2023 opponents won and lost record will determine the strength of our schcedule. 6 of the 10 teams who have the easiest schedule are in the NFC according to this chart.

[feltdizz]

This... Lamar-less Ravens of 2022 are a good example - team gets them twice...
I also would imagine that with a camp and full offseason, DeShaun Watson improves over his 2022 performances. That's 4 games against improved teams

(I've been on a life raft all of my own on that one, but I hope we've improved enough to stay ahead of the Browns - I'm actually worried about them. I still think he's out to prove that he's worth the $$ they invested)

I don’t understand the worry for Cleveland. Every year people predict they will put things together and they were only able to do it once in the last 20 years. I guess this could be why but I need to see it before I give them the benefit.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

I don?t understand the worry for Cleveland. Every year people predict they will put things together and they were only able to do it once in the last 20 years. I guess this could be why but I need to see it before I give them the benefit.
Short answer, they have talent. They have a solid defense. They have a really good RB. They upgraded their WR.

Basically, the worry all hinges on whether Watson stays trash or whether he pulls it back together...

[feltdizz]

Short answer, they have talent. They have a solid defense. They have a really good RB. They upgraded their WR.

Basically, the worry all hinges on whether Watson stays trash or whether he pulls it back together...

He missed almost 2 season’s of football and it wasn’t due to injury. Even if he returns to form I doubt they turn things around because its Cleveland.

[Steel Maniac]

There are some Browns fans - realistic ones, not their version of Yinzer types - who believe the coaching is pretty bad in Cleveland, starting right with the head coach, who they refer to as a "June Jones type." And, as an added negative, they feel the owner is meddling and totally screws up team chemistry. Something is amiss with this team, so I don't know if Watson can overcome all of that.

I too think that Stafanski is the only real question mark for that team. But this year is truth or tell time for him too. If that offense doesn't pan out, Stafanski may get rolled.

[Steel Maniac]

Short answer, they have talent. They have a solid defense. They have a really good RB. They upgraded their WR.

Basically, the worry all hinges on whether Watson stays trash or whether he pulls it back together...

It is all their for them..talent wise.

[hawaiiansteel]

I too think that Stafanski is the only real question mark for that team. But this year is truth or tell time for him too. If that offense doesn't pan out, Stafanski will be fired at the end of the year.

the Browns are hanging onto Stefanski for far too long, just like the way the Dolphins did with Don Shula.

as soon as Cleveland fires him, they will start winning multiple Super Bowls like how Miami did after getting rid of their bum head coach.

oh wait...:p

[BURGH86STEEL]

I don't think there are any easy schedules in the NFL.

[feltdizz]

I don't think there are any easy schedules in the NFL.

Not sure anyone said easy, but there are certainly “easier” schedules when compared side by side.

[NorthCoast]

Not sure anyone said easy, but there are certainly ?easier? schedules when compared side by side.

☆☆☆☆

_________

[BURGH86STEEL]

Not sure anyone said easy, but there are certainly “easier” schedules when compared side by side.
Based on what? Last season? Last season is done and over bro.

Where do KEY injuries or injuries fall into the equation? Face the Chiefs without Mahomes. The Bengals without Burrow?

The reality is this. The Steelers have the less experienced and less accomplished QB in the division heading into the 2023 season.

How did the other teams on the Steelers schedule improve from 2022 to 2023? How will the season play out for the opposition? I would understand this "easier" schedule hypothesis if everything stayed the same in the NFL.

[BURGH86STEEL]

☆☆☆☆

_________
Does every team stay the same from year to year in the NFL? Do teams attempt to improve year to year? Where do the changes fall into fans view of the schedule? *****

[BURGH86STEEL]

☆☆☆☆

_________
Last season is done and over. Constant change is a fact of life in the NFL, pro sports, and life. Do I get five stars for pointing out this?

[BURGH86STEEL]

Sorry folks but I don't view the NFL schedule as easy or "easier" because of the many "mind fields" that can happen during an NFL season.

I think that Steelers fans should know and understand this by now.

[BURGH86STEEL]

Strength of schedule is based on 2022. 2023 will be a different season. The Rams won the SB in 2021 and won 5 games in 2022.

[Northern_Blitz]

☆☆☆☆

_________


How do you make the stars? I can't figure it out!!! :p

[BURGH86STEEL]

How do you make the stars? I can't figure it out!!! :p
I can make stars. ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ I am the general of generals .

[feltdizz]

Based on what? Last season? Last season is done and over bro.

Where do KEY injuries or injuries fall into the equation? Face the Chiefs without Mahomes. The Bengals without Burrow?

The reality is this. The Steelers have the less experienced and less accomplished QB in the division heading into the 2023 season.

How did the other teams on the Steelers schedule improve from 2022 to 2023? How will the season play out for the opposition? I would understand this "easier" schedule hypothesis if everything stayed the same in the NFL.

Well, this is why I said earlier I HOPE it holds true.

I?m aware things can change. Once the season is over we will see how accurate the SOS holds up.

Regardless, once the season ends.. there will be schedules that are ?easier?
than others. Happens every year.

I do agree we have no idea how this plays out.

[BURGH86STEEL]

Well, this is why I said earlier I HOPE it holds true.

I?m aware things can change. Once the season is over we will see how accurate the SOS holds up.

Regardless, once the season ends.. there will be schedules that are ?easier?
than others. Happens every year.

I do agree we have no idea how this plays out.
This is why SOS from 2022 doesn't matter heading into the 2023 season. Players improve. Players are cut. Player are traded. Players are signed.

It's good for fan talk , radio talk, social media talk, blah blah blah.

[WindyCitySteel]

This is why SOS from 2022 doesn't matter heading into the 2023 season. Players improve. Players are cut. Player are traded. Players are signed.

It's good for fan talk , radio talk, social media talk, blah blah blah.

You'll never know the true strength until the end of the season, but some rank it based on projected win totals, not just last year's record.


https://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/analysis/2023-nfl-strength-of-schedule/

[NorthCoast]

You'll never know the true strength until the end of the season, but some rank it based on projected win totals, not just last year's record.


https://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/analysis/2023-nfl-strength-of-schedule/

☆☆☆☆
It's the one I posted. Vegas gets it pretty darn close year after year. It's not perfect. Nothing is.
Example; Steelers were projected 7.5 wins last year. Vegas missed by 1.5 games. BUT, it's pretty rare for a team projected to win 10-12 games and only end up with 3 or 4.
Think about it. Vegas lines are based on tens of thousands of knowledgeable fans that follow their teams every move. Sheer numbers say they will get it close.

[feltdizz]

Fans and talking heads love rankings. SOS, Power rankings, etc..

Teams change every year and 1 injury can impact team chemistry.

Its not an exact science. No one should lose sleep over it.

[WindyCitySteel]

Outside of the division games (and we do well against Jackson and Watson might still stink), I see one potentially elite QB on the schedule -- Trevor Lawrence. Not afraid of Kyler and Geno, they can hurt you, but not top ten guys.

I think that's the best way to look at the schedule.

[feltdizz]

Outside of the division games (and we do well against Jackson and Watson might still stink), I see one potentially elite QB on the schedule -- Trevor Lawrence. Not afraid of Kyler and Geno, they can hurt you, but not top ten guys.

I think that's the best way to look at the schedule.

Biggest concern for me is West Coast games. We haven’t had much success out west even when we outplayed teams.

[NorthCoast]

Outside of the division games (and we do well against Jackson and Watson might still stink), I see one potentially elite QB on the schedule -- Trevor Lawrence. Not afraid of Kyler and Geno, they can hurt you, but not top ten guys.

I think that's the best way to look at the schedule.How dare you. Didn't your PFF rank Geno in the top 10?

[WindyCitySteel]

How dare you. Didn't your PFF rank Geno in the top 10?

He had a good year, still don't think he's elite, expect a regression to the mean this year.

[NorthCoast]

Sorry folks but I don't view the NFL schedule as easy or "easier" because of the many "mind fields" that can happen during an NFL season.

I think that Steelers fans should know and understand this by now.For any given team you are right but for the aggregate Vegas gets it pretty darn close year after year. They wouldn't stay in business otherwise. Here's the latest schedule changes based on Vegas win totals for opponents. Lions and Jags move up in strength from the OP. That puts the Steelers in the bottom quarter (i.e, easier).

NFL Strength-of-Schedule Rankings (2023)



Rank
Team
Combined Win Totals of 2023 Opponents


1
New England Patriots
156


2
Buffalo Bills
153.3


3
Kansas City Chiefs
153.3


4
Las Vegas Raiders
152.5


5
Miami Dolphins
152


6
Los Angeles Rams
151.5


7
Minnesota Vikings
151.3


8
New York Jets
150.8


9
Washington Commanders
150.3


10
Denver Broncos
148.5


11
Arizona Cardinals
147.8


12
Baltimore Ravens
147.3


13
Dallas Cowboys
146.5


14
Los Angeles Chargers
146.5


15
New York Giants
146.5


16
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
145.9


17
Cincinnati Bengals
145.3


18
Cleveland Browns
145.3


19
Philadelphia Eagles
143.5


20
Seattle Seahawks
143.5


21
Detroit Lions
143.3


22
Green Bay Packers
143.3


23
Jacksonville Jaguars
143.3


24
Pittsburgh Steelers
143.3


25
Tennessee Titans
142.4


26
Houston Texans
140.9


27
Chicago Bears
140.3


28
Carolina Panthers
138.9


29
San Francisco 49ers
138.8


30
Indianapolis Colts
138.4


31
Atlanta Falcons
130.8


32
New Orleans Saints
129.9




Or, if you like the traditional previous year's win % here's the ranking:



Rank
Team
Opponents' Winning Percentage


1
Philadelphia Eagles
.566


2
Miami Dolphins
.554


3
New England Patriots
.549


T-4
Dallas Cowboys
.549


T-4
New York Giants
.549


6.
New York Jets
.545


7
Buffalo Bills
.542


8
Washington Commanders
.535


9
LA Rams
.533


10
Las Vegas Raiders
.524


11
Arizona Cardinals
.519


T-12
LA Chargers
.517


T-12
Denver Broncos
.517


T-12
Seattle Seahawks
.517


15
San Francisco 49ers
.514


16
Kansas City Chiefs
.512


17
Cincinnati Bengals
.510


18
Chicago Bears
.497


19
Minnesota Vikings
.497


20
Detroit Lions
.495


21
Baltimore Ravens
.484


22
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
.483


23
Jacksonville Jaguars
.477


24
Green Bay Packers
.476


25
Pittsburgh Steelers
.470


26
Cleveland Browns
.460


27
Carolina Panthers
.453


28
Tennessee Titans
.448


29
Indianapolis Colts
.434


30
Houston Texans
.431


31
New Orleans Saints
.427


32
Atlanta Falcons
.417




So now when the Steelers shine this season a few can queue the 'yea, but it was a cakewalk schedule'......

[Joel Buchsbaum]

We play three games on the WEST Coast. The Steelers do not travel well to west under Tomlin.

https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-release-2023-schedule

[Steel Maniac]

I'm going to slide into Sofi and check them out against the Rams. Rams are tanking and we should drop a 30 + burger on them easily.

[NJ-STEELER]

We play three games on the WEST Coast. The Steelers do not travel well to west under Tomlin.

https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-release-2023-schedule

rams stink.
Raiders aren’t much better.

seattke is tough to play in the cold. And it’s on New Year’s Eve.
man’s their one of the more impressive teams in camp/preseason according to nfl radio ( Steelers are too ;) )
It will be tough match up

[Steel Maniac]

He had a good year, still don't think he's elite, expect a regression to the mean this year.

Don't sell Pete Carroll short; he's given him another weapon, beefed up the O-line and tweaked up the defense. They've got a tough schedule thou.

[NJ-STEELER]

He had a good year, still don't think he's elite, expect a regression to the mean this year.

he's playing really well in camp reportedly

[Northern_Blitz]

He had a good year, still don't think he's elite, expect a regression to the mean this year.

Flagged for adding subjective opinions? :p

[Northern_Blitz]

Second half of this video talks about strength of schedule based on opposing QB rankings. Kind of interesting IMO


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQk4ZpjWWhQ&ab_channel=DKPittsburghSports% 7CSteelers

[whisper]

So now when the Steelers shine this season a few can queue the 'yea, but it was a cakewalk schedule'......[/FONT]
[/FONT]

If Pgh makes the postseason and gets their clock cleaned again, giving up 40+ for the 4th playoff game in a row, then those assertions won't be so far off.

[feltdizz]

If Pgh makes the postseason and gets their clock cleaned again, giving up 40+ for the 4th playoff game in a row, then those assertions won't be so far off.
and if we win a playoff game you guys will scan the opponent’s injury report to make an excuse for the W.

We know how this works with Stain trolls :p

[NJ-STEELER]

he's playing really well in camp reportedly


forgot to add that phil simms last year said he's a different player then when he entered the league. and phil was around a lot when smith played for the giants and jets.

maybe a lightbulb turned on after bouncing around with a few teams

[NJ-STEELER]

So now when the Steelers shine this season a few can queue the 'yea, but it was a cakewalk schedule'......


you act like people didn't cry about

wHAt a hArD sKeDDuLE tHe sTiLLErs hAD
because they faced the eagles and bills

while losing to the mac jones and kyle wilson led pats and jets at Home.
2 QBs and offenses often ridiculed here

[whisper]

you act like people didn't cry about

wHAt a hArD sKeDDuLE tHe sTiLLErs hAD
because they faced the eagles and bills

while losing to the mac jones and kyle wilson led pats and jets at Home.
2 QBs and offenses often ridiculed here

Both those losses were pathetic. And we lost to the Bills and Eagles 73-16 collectively. And both games could have been far worse.