NFL standings based on strength of schedule: Chargers in favorable spot

With 10 weeks in the books, it is officially time to closely watch the NFL standings. The playoff picture in both conferences is starting to take shape and will continue to fluctuate as the year goes on. Some teams, like the LA Chargers, are firmly in a playoff spot with an easy road ahead. Others, though, are not as lucky.

With seven playoff teams in both conferences, there are more teams in the hunt searching for a playoff spot. However, the 2024 season has been unique as 10 of the 32 teams in the league have three or fewer wins through 10 weeks.

The current NFL standings after Week 10 do not mean anything; there will be plenty of movement from now through Week 18. What does matter is the remaining strength of schedule, as it adds important context to the current playoff picture.

Standings will be ranked from easiest remaining strength of schedule to hardest, as having an easier schedule is an inherent advantage for a team.

Outside of the Indianapolis Colts, who cannot figure out their own quarterback situation, many of the teams who have a much easier path than the Chargers moving forward are not actually in playoff contention.

The Jaguars, Dolphins. Jets, Raiders and Titans all have three or fewer wins thus far this season. While anything can happen, it would take a truly disastrous meltdown by the Chargers to lose a playoff spot to one of those teams with the cushion the Bolts have built up.

Meanwhile, every single team with a better seed than the Chargers has a harder remaining schedule outside of the Houston Texans, who have absolutely no impact on the Bolts. Unfortunately, though, the Chargers probably aren't catching the undefeated Chiefs to win the AFC West.

The Chicago Bears fans who were excited three weeks ago have come crashing back down to Earth. After an embarrassing 19-3 loss in a very winnable game, the Bears have the toughest road ahead and it is not even close. No other team has a remaining SOS over .600. The Bears are at .700.

Washington is also in a good position to continue its miracle season. While the Commanders lost control of the NFC East, the team has the fourth-easiest remaining schedule in the NFC while firmly in a playoff position.

One team that is looking to usurp Washington is the San Francisco 49ers, who have dealt with more bad injury luck than any other team this season. If the 49ers are going to dig themselves out of the hole then they will have to do so with a tough remaining schedule.