The Ease of Schedule is about taking the results from all defensive performances last season and then applying 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 match-ups for teams and awarding then either a good or a bad game - or just neutral.

In making this as accurate as can be using stats from the previous season, starting last season the difference is that no longer are the "good" and "bad" matchups related to a team. They are now related to both team and venue. The reality is that many teams play much differently on the road than they do at home. What the Ease of Schedule has done is to take each NFL defense and consider them as two separate entities. One on the road and the other at home. In some cases, it did not matter - both were great for a team (or really bad). In others, it certainly did. Taking the eight home games and eight road games, each had their highest and lowest games removed to eliminate uncharacteristic extremes. Then the per game average fantasy points allowed were determined from the six remaining home and six remaining road games. From a total set of 64 possibilities (32 defenses both home and away), the best and worst 16 matchups were used.

This is the most accurate picture of defenses from last year - hands down. While regular season EOS will not split them out because of a lack of adequate sample size, the preseason EOS considered venue in addition to the defense - it makes a difference. This is more accurate than any other you will find.

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.

Week - By - Week

Comments (page 2 of 3)

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Big Boza

Posted Oct 17, 2009 4:04pm EDT

Is it time for an update?

Barry

Posted Sep 23, 2009 1:23am EDT

Awesome, look forward to it. This is my first year on the site and I gotta say this place is fantastic.

DMD

Posted Sep 22, 2009 12:10pm EDT

We usually wait until week four to bring out the new one so there is enough data to make it reasonably accurate.

Barry

Posted Sep 21, 2009 11:49pm EDT

Will this chart be updated at any time during the season?
I use these charts alot when cooking up trade offers.

red

Posted Aug 27, 2009 12:58pm EDT

When will the ratings for worst defense against the run and passing be available................thanks

matt

Posted Aug 26, 2009 11:21pm EDT

will this be updated again soon? Some of the teams defense's are not looking so strong anymore ie. eagles and some others

Huns

Posted Aug 19, 2009 11:53pm EDT

Hard to believe Cinci was #16? The Bengals are a very good team - just a bunch of injuries and inner turmoil. This year will be different and the Bengals will surpise this year. Not too sure how that will translate fantasy wise, but Palmer, Ocho and Benson all could have top 10 years in their respective categories. This is coming from a Steeler fan who hates the Bengals.

DMD

Posted Aug 12, 2009 12:20pm EDT

The Schedule Swings article on the homepage should be what you are talking about.

JJ

Posted Aug 12, 2009 12:04pm EDT

DD -
Do you have any analysis that breaks down teams/players who went against difficult defenses last year but are facing an easier SOS this year?

Trio

Posted Aug 8, 2009 11:11pm EDT

Long time F.F. player, folks. I don't sweat the 'experts'. I take their money, instead. It's always good to read educated opinions and if you read enough you'll see all the strategy involved. Nobody is right all the time, not even me. In 16 years, I've failed to make the playoffs only 3 times. There are two reasons why. 1st. Stick with consistent players. Guys who rarely miss games, like Reggie Wayne, Clinton Portis, Tony Gonzalez.. Reach a bit if you have to... 2nd. When the first group isn't available, look for those playing schedules easier than last year. Always undervalued, they will slide your way. Upside players who have switched teams will also be there. Like the Houshmazilla or Derrick Ward. Ease of schedule is great, but don't go overboard. The quality pros will get it done.

DMD

Posted Aug 4, 2009 5:57pm EDT

The "good" and "bad" designations come directly from the actual stats allowed last year. There is nothing subjective about it. I would always strongly suggest taking what the objective numbers say and then adding your own wisdom to that. This is purely a statistical study.

jaymo

Posted Aug 4, 2009 5:35pm EDT

I find it hard to believe that Cincinnati is a difficult matchup.

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