New York Giants potentially face easier strength of schedule in 2026

Many experts are predicting the New York Giants will be one of the NFL's biggest turnaround stories in 2026. After finishing 4-13 in 2025, the Giants made major changes to the organization, most notably hiring John Harbaugh as head coach. The reason for the optimism is simple.

Their schedule was the most challenging in the NFL last season , entering the year, with their opponents compiling a collective . 574 winning percentage. The Giants also blew five fourth-quarter leads, four of which were in double-digits.

The Giants were also playing most of the year without several key players: No. 1 wide receiver Malik Nabers, top-tackler Micah McFadden, and rookie sensation running back Cam Skattebo. This year, all of those players (and more) will be back, and the Giants will also benefit from a more lenient schedule.

Per Sharp Football Analysis , the Giants will have the ninth-hardest, or the 24th easiest, schedule in the NFL entering the 2026 season. The rankings are based on the projected win totals for the upcoming season, not last year's data. If that is true, Big Blue should be in for an easier ride in 2026.